October 26, 2026
Persistent bad breath is breath that stays unpleasant even though you brush and clean between your teeth. It most often starts in the mouth, from bacteria on the teeth, gums and tongue, or from gum disease, and a dentist is usually the right first person to see. Less often it comes from dry mouth or from a medical condition, which a dentist can help you work out.
According to the NHS, you should see a dentist if you have bad breath that does not go away after treating it yourself for a few weeks. The Oral Health Foundation says bad breath is usually caused by smelly gases released by bacteria that coat your teeth, gums and tongue.
Bad breath can be short lived. Strong food or a dry mouth first thing in the morning can both cause it for a while. Persistent bad breath is different, because it carries on after you have improved your daily cleaning.
The Oral Health Foundation says bad breath is usually caused by smelly gases released by bacteria that coat your teeth, gums and tongue. It also says food trapped between your teeth or on your tongue can add to the problem.
The NHS lists problems with your teeth or gums, such as gum disease, holes in your teeth or an infection, among the causes of bad breath. The Oral Health Foundation lists gum disease or tooth decay as a common cause.
The NHS gives a clear list of things you can do yourself. None of them replaces an examination if the problem carries on, but they are the right place to start.
The Oral Health Foundation says your dental team can help find what is causing bad breath and give you tips to stop it. The European periodontology guidance describes how this usually works. Diagnosis includes a medical history questionnaire, a periodontal examination and a look at the tongue coating.
The first step is an examination. Our dental examination for a new patient includes a check of oral and gum health, a review of medical history and any concerns, oral cancer screening, X rays, and a written report with a suggested treatment plan.
The dental hygiene visit at our clinic is a deep clean that goes beyond daily brushing, removing plaque, biofilm and bacteria, with advice on keeping up oral care at home. The NHS says a dentist may advise you to get your teeth cleaned by a hygienist as part of treating gum disease.
You can also look at our examination fees. You can also look at our hygiene fees.
According to the NHS, gum disease can lead to bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth. The NHS says gum disease is caused by a build up of plaque on your teeth, which irritates the gums when it is not removed by regular brushing and cleaning between the teeth.
Symptoms of gum disease include bad breath or an unpleasant taste, alongside swollen, tender or throbbing gums, plaque and tartar build up, receding gums and bleeding gums. The NHS advises seeing a dentist if your gums bleed or hurt, or if you have bad breath.
Bad breath does not always start in the mouth. The NHS lists some medical conditions, including dry mouth, tonsillitis and acid reflux, among the possible causes. The Oral Health Foundation says that if your dentist cannot find a problem with your mouth, they might ask you to see your doctor.
See a dentist if bad breath does not go away after treating it yourself for a few weeks. The NHS also says to see a dentist if you have painful, bleeding or swollen gums, toothache or wobbly adult teeth, or problems with your dentures, and to have regular check ups.
For gum problems, the NHS says to get an urgent appointment for very sore or swollen gums, loose or falling out teeth, mouth ulcers or red patches, or a lump in the mouth or on the lip. Our emergency dentist team offers same day appointments.
We cover how regular visits fit around your own needs in how often you should go to the dentist.
The Oral Health Foundation says bad breath is usually caused by smelly gases released by bacteria that coat the teeth, gums and tongue. The NHS advises cleaning between your teeth daily and gently cleaning your tongue once a day, and seeing a dentist if it does not go away.
It can be. The NHS says gum disease can lead to bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth. A dentist can examine your gums and tell you whether gum disease is behind it.
No. The Oral Health Foundation says mouthwash only freshens breath and will not fix an underlying cause. The NHS suggests an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste as one part of looking after your breath. Ask your dental team to recommend a mouthwash.
Yes. The NHS lists dry mouth among the medical conditions that can cause bad breath, and the Oral Health Foundation describes it as a mouth that does not make enough saliva. Mention a dry mouth to your dentist.
Yes. The NHS names strong smelling or spicy food and drink, and fasting or crash dieting. The Oral Health Foundation mentions garlic, onions and coffee. The NHS suggests sugar free mints or chewing gum afterwards.
Yes. Both the NHS and the Oral Health Foundation list smoking as a cause, and the NHS advises not smoking.
The NHS says to see a dentist if bad breath does not go away after treating it yourself for a few weeks, or if you have painful, bleeding or swollen gums, toothache, wobbly adult teeth or denture problems. The Oral Health Foundation says that if the dentist cannot find a problem in your mouth, they might ask you to see your doctor.
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4,8
I could not be more satisfied with my experience at Maida Smiles - A special mention to Dr Gurteurez who is one of the most friendly and professional dentists I have ever met
Adam
I had my first visit and the team was very warm, caring and professional. The online booking platform makes it very easy to arrange your appointment. Doctor Pedro made me feel comfortable despite this being my first appointment since Covid. He is incredibly knowledgeable and offers you the best treatment for your specific condition. I would highly recommend them
Gian Paolo Ziletti
Professional. Friendly. Informative. Maida Smiles offers great dental services including cleanings, oral surgery and realignment. I feel very lucky to have them so close by. I had an appointment just this week that was quick, thorough and safe.
Emily Chmura
Being very nervous about using dentists after a terrible experience when I was younger, I came to Maida Smiles and loved the calm patient demeanour of Pedro. You can clearly see Pedro and the team take pride in what they do and are perfectionists. The whole experience was great and I will never go to another dentist again.
Reena Nathwani
Delighted with the outcome of my treatment by Pedro. Meticulous attention to detail explaining exactly how the procedure would be carried out from first consultation to completion backed up with supporting guidance notes. Clearly an expert in his field and someone who cares passionately about the outcomes for his patients. Highly recommended.
George Jones
I loved my first visit to Maida Smile Dental Clinic. The staff member at reception was very warm, welcoming and professional. My dentist, Priscilla, and her assistant were fantastic. I have quite sensitive teeth near my gums and I can find the probing and investigation quite uncomfortable during a consultation, but this wasn’t the case at all. I didn’t experience discomfort and felt in very safe hands. This also applied to the hygienist work. I didn’t even have to ask Priscilla to avoid using the ultra sound cleaner on the sensitive areas of my teeth. I’m looking forward to going back, and that’s not often you can say that about going to the dentist!
Simone Gibson
Since I first had the luck to be recommended and book an appointment with Dr. Pedro Gutierres over 8 years ago, I have never trusted my dental health nor my family’s to anyone else. It’s very hard to find a dentist who ticks all the boxes and even goes beyond any expectations you may have, from service, sympathy, professionalism, and expertise, etc., 5 stars are not enough to rate him. I was so happy when he opened his own clinic and surrounded himself with the best professionals you can find, I cannot recommend Maida Smiles Dental Clinic enough.
Sofia Gouveia
Maida Smiles Dental Clinic is excellent!! The staff is very friendly, professional and always aiming for the customers best experience! A special thank you to Dr. Pedro Gutierres who is truly amazing. I am absolutely satisfied with the results and highly recommend this great dental clinic!
Ana Cruz
Dr. Pedro Gutierres is the best Implantologist I have come across. His work is amazing and of very high quality! I would highly recommend him and Maida Smiles to all my friends and family. If you want the perfect smile this is the place to go.
Blossom
“Pedro was so patient and professional throughout my treatment for my implants.. I chose to have my treatment with a local anaesthetic rather than any sedation and have a very bad gag reflex when anything touches the back of my throat. His patience throughout the experience was wonderful, completely putting me at ease and he also gave me a technique to help me in the future. I have seen him for my follow up and fully intend to book an annual visit in 2020. which is no small thing as I live 60 miles away.I can thoroughly recommend him for any treatment.”
Denise Gilbert
I was very nervous to pull my ingrown wisdom tooth. Dr Pedro Guiterres made me feel really comfortable and the job was completed very professionally. It didn’t take long at all and I didn’t feel any pain. I would definitely recommend his service at this practice.
Jihan Daoud
From the day I made my first appointment. The team at Maida smile were amazing. They didn’t treat me like a customer but more like family. They have been great in every step in FINALLY GETTING MY DREAM SMILE from the receptionist to my dentist Pedro Laranjeira I can’t thank you enough and of course Pedro Laranjeira beautiful wife…… they are very professional and understand that I had to change my appointment now and then for work commitments and they were very understand. I will defo recommend them 100% not forgetting how chic the office is
Tracy Mensah
I was very nervous about having a dental implant but was immediately put at ease by Dr Pedro Gutierres. The procedure was explained in full and the care both during and after treatment has been of the highest standard. I received advice on how to look after my implant and have had no problems. I highly recommend.
Dawn Briggs
I had 7 implants installed by Dr Pedro Gutierres, including one which required a bone graft. In my 70 years I’ve had some bad experiences with dental treatment so it takes a lot for me to relax but, from my initial consultation, through to the end of the treatment, I had complete trust in Pedro’s expertise: preparations for the treatment and after-care were extremely thorough and fully explained, the treatment itself was surprisingly endurable (considering what was involved) and the implants have made a major difference to my life. If you are considering implants then I would whole-heartedly and sincerely recommend Pedro for this work.
Russ Hickman
I couldn’t recommend Maida Smiles enough: the care, attention to detail and the way Dentists and Nurses made sure I felt comfortable and safe throughout the treatments was incredible. Dr Pedro explained the treatments in detail to me and I have never felt under pressure to proceed… but I am very glad I did as I am happy and confident to smile again!
Mariana Pinheiro
Highly recommend this place to anybody looking for a friendly and trustworthy practice with an incredibly friendly and patient staff. Dr Pedro has been one of the best dentists I’ve ever had, he made me feel comfortable and were very knowledgeable in explaining every step of what he was doing and answering all of my questions. Amazing thorough the procedure, excellent communication, superb and professional treatment. I hope they keep it this way for a long time.
Joas Souza
Dr Pedro is a very good, confident and experienced professional. I’ve known him for some years now and always felt well cared for, either for small or bigger treatments.The facilities of the clinic are amazing and all the staff are very friendly. Highly recommended.”
Nelson Cafruni
I went to different clinics before, and nobody could really convince me until Maida Smiles did. The team here makes you comfortable , shows you different options and different budgets , and doesn't try to make you go only for one plan. I felt that the team was knowledgeable and wanted to help me , so that's why I decided to start
Diogo
I was referred to Dr. Pedro who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional, they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. I've never looked back since
Theresa
"I told him, 'I want beautiful teeth, beautiful but natural, I don't want fake looking teeth.' Now I smile, I talk... it just makes you more confident. If you wear a beautiful nice suit... you have beautiful teeth, then it's like a perfect."
Louca
"I went to my hygienist a little while ago, and she said to me they were the best implants that she'd ever seen and she would never have known that they weren't my real teeth."
Sharon
Dr. Pedro explained the process of Invisalign to me. It sounded easy, it was quite a quick process, and the end result is my teeth moved back, so I'm quite happy.
Soula
I feel like I've not just developed a professional relationship with my dentist and the staff... they become more like friends as well, because of the kind of compassion and sympathy that they give you during treatment.
Alvin
"After a friend recommended the clinic, I was referred to Dr. Pedro, who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional; they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. They have more than met my expectations. I have to have a few more implants, and I'm not afraid anymore. Now, finally, I can live again."
Lesley
"After not having a great experience with previous dental treatments, I was desperate for someone that I trusted. I broke a tooth, and even before I saw Dr. Pedro, he reassured me that I was going to be fine. He made me feel very comfortable and at ease. It was an amazing experience, from not only Dr. Pedro but also all the staff in the clinic, and I would definitely recommend [them] ".
Mariana
I chose Maida Smiles because of the reviews and a friend who was really happy with the results. The results definitely met my expectations. My expressions are much more smooth than before and it really makes the difference
Carolina
I’m very grateful for the quick and efficient service I received when I needed an emergency appointment. The staff were kind and accommodating, and the dentist provided clear, helpful advice that made a real difference. The whole experience was reassuring. Highly recommend their professionalism and expertise!
Safiya Guled
I am always anxious when having to see the dentist and this was one of my first experiences with Maida Smiles. The dentist, Benedict Harrison was very reassuring and immediately put me at ease. He was quite lucid in his explanations of what had to be done, etcetera, and is making good progress with the ongoing treatment. Also, the rest of the staff were friendly and just plain nice.
John Jacobs
Wow wow Dr Claudia is the best dentist in London, my kid adores her and it is always a pleasant visit. Can’t recommend her enough
Bel Cohn
I am delighted with the results of my replacement veneers.
Dr Benedict Harrison was very good at talking me through the whole process and keeping me informed during the treatment if there were any issues - which there weren’t.
He has a charming demeanour which is an added advantage in a dentist, who I think we all agree are not our favourite people, overall a 5 star experience.
Karen Shepherd
I went to the Maida Smiles Clinic for the first time and had the most wonderful experience! I am dentist phobic but strangely left the place with a big smile on my face (literally!). The receptionist was super kind, Susan was impeccable and very helpful, and I had my appointment with the most amazing dentist Dr Mafalda Vilhena. Couldn’t recommend her enough. She explains the whole procedure and is very rigorous in her work. Congratulations to Dr Pedro Gutierres for creating such an excellent working environment and to all the team. I will be back and bringing my family along and we don’t even live in Maida Vale. Thank you for such an impeccable job on my teeth and for taking my fear of dentists away. Note: they don’t cover NHS, only private bookings or with insurance.
Maria Monteiro
Address: 207-209 Sutherland Ave, London W9 1RU. Get directions.
Paid parking is available using ParkBee on Lanark Road (the road right next to the practice). For public transport users, we are a two-minute walk from Maida Vale tube station.
