Why do I have bad breath and yellow teeth at 19?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 19-year-old male, and I have been experiencing bad breath lately. Also, my teeth appear yellow, and I have noticed brown stains on my lower teeth.

What could be causing this? I brush my teeth in the morning and occasionally twice a day.
Is it possible that I am not brushing properly?
Could the toothpaste I am using be ineffective?
What other steps can I take to maintain oral hygiene?
Which brushing technique should I use?
And what other measures can I adopt regularly to prevent tooth stains?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

There could be several reasons for having bad breath, and improper oral hygiene could be one of the factors. Regarding the stains on your teeth, periodic professional cleaning is necessary for proper maintenance of oral hygiene. This procedure, known as scaling, should ideally be done every six months. Your brushing technique may need adjustment.

Ensure that you are brushing your teeth by sweeping over the tooth surface, away from the gums, and not just back and forth. Avoid using herbal toothpaste brands, and always clean your tongue after brushing. It is important to note that brushing at night is more important than brushing in the morning.

If the problem persists, feel free to follow up, as some tests may need to be conducted.

Thank you.