Illume welcomes new research suggesting that drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning is an effective way of reducing morning breath – but says this should only be seen as part of a regular healthy oral health regime.

The research, published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene, has shown that drinking or rinsing the mouth with a glass of water helped remove up to 60 per cent of the substances which contribute to bad breath. It will also help to keep you properly hydrated, contributing to normal healthy saliva flows.

Tim Rumney, practice owner and clinical director at Illume, says: “Bad breath is a very common issue for many people but not one that is talked about nearly enough because many find it embarrassing or even don’t know they have it.

“A simple test you can do if you think you may be suffering from bad breath is to lick the inside of your wrist, wait for it to dry and sniff. If the smell is bad, you can be fairly sure that your breath is too.

“There are many different factors involved but persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth, gums and tongue.

“This study is welcome because a glass of water in the morning to help wash away bacteria that cause bad breath is a great way to start the day and a routine that I myself follow.

“However, people should not consider it to be the total solution because the best way to beat bad breath is to ensure that you have an effective daily oral health routine including brushing your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste.

"Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue can also sometimes cause an unpleasant smell so you should also ensure you clean in between your teeth with interdental brushes or floss at least once a day.

“I would also urge all clients not to forget to brush their tongue as well, or use a tongue scraper, to help remove more bacteria,” he added.

Bacteria on teeth and gums (called ‘plaque') cause gum disease and tooth decay and one of the warning signs of gum disease is that you always have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.

Tim adds: “Make sure you visit your dentist or hygienist regularly, as often as they recommend, to help uncover any problems because the earlier they are found, the more effective the treatment will be.

“Our team at Illume includes hygienists who can also give advice and tips on keeping your mouth healthy and bad breath at bay so why not book an appointment today,” he added.