It is said that you need to kiss many frogs before you find your prince…well that maybe the case, and if it is, frogs please take note!

Many frogs suffer from bad breath or halitosis occasionally, the exact number of frogs with bad breath is not known, but it is common.

How can I tell if I have bad breath?

A main problem with bad breath is that the only frog not to notice it, is the frog affected. Often, the only way to know about it is if a frog comments on it. However, most frogs are too polite to comment on another frog’s bad breath. You may have to rely on fellow frogs to be honest and tell you if you have bad breath. Perhaps you could ask your dentist next time you have a check up. A dentist will normally be able to say if you have bad breath. Gum disease is a common cause of bad breath and a dentist will be able to advise on treatment if you have gum disease.

Some frogs suggest a simple test which you can do yourself to detect bad breath. Lick the inside of your wrist. Wait a few seconds for the saliva to dry. Then smell the licked part of the wrist. If you detect an unpleasant smell you are likely to have bad breath.

Bad breath  

Bad breath is thought to come from bacteria within the mouth. As the bacteria break down proteins and other debris in the mouth, they release foul smelling gases. One or more of the following may contribute to the build up of bacteria and bad breath.

Food stuck between teeth

Normal teeth brushing may not clear bits of food which can get stuck between teeth. The food then rots and becomes riddled with bacteria. Regular flossing can clear and prevent this problem.  

Plaque, calculus and gum disease

Dental plaque is a soft whitish deposit that forms on the surface of teeth. It forms when bacteria combine with food and saliva. Plaque contains many types of bacteria. Calculus, sometimes called tartar, is hardened calcified plaque. It sticks firmly to teeth. Gum disease means infection or inflammation of the tissues that surround the teeth. If your gums look inflamed, or regularly bleed when you clean your teeth, you are likely to have gum disease. The severity can range form mild to severe.  

Coating on the back of the tongue

In some frogs, a ‘coating’ develops on the back part of the tongue.  

The treatment of bad breath coming from within the mouth is good oral hygiene.

• In addition to brushing, it is important to clean between the teeth using dental floss, woodsticks or an inter-dental brush as recommended by your dentist.

• Use a tongue cleaner and clean right to the back of the tongue.

• Use a mouthwash recommended by your dentist. The best time to use it is just before sleeping.

• Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding too much coffee.

• Clean your mouth after eating milk products, fish and meat.

• Chew sugar-free gum, especially if your mouth feels dry.

• Eat fresh, fibrous vegetables.

So if you want a frog to hop onto your lily pad sometime soon…brush out those bits of dragonfly between your teeth and get croaking…ribbitt…ribbitt!