Treatment for Halitosis and Bad Breath

We all know that we need to look after our mouths on a daily basis; regular tooth and tongue brushing, flossing and using a mouth rinse are all part of an effective oral hygiene programme. But we also need extra help to keep our mouths really healthy.

If this treatment is not carried out regularly, your mouth will be more prone to disease. The tartar encourages plaque growth and hinders proper tooth brushing and flossing. In turn, this is a common cause of bad breath and can result in gum inflammation and bleeding which can progress further to the supporting tissues of the teeth, including the bone. Eventually, this can lead to painful infections and, ultimately, tooth loss.

What is halitosis?

Halitosis is an oral health condition characterized by consistently odorous breath. Often identifying the cause of bad breath is the first step toward treating this preventable condition. There are just as many causes of bad breath as there are sources of bacteria in the mouth. Halitosis may be caused by the following:

• Foods: The things you eat contribute largely to your oral health care, including your breath. Items such as garlic and onions, or any food, are absorbed into the bloodstream, become transferred into the lungs, and become expelled in the air you breathe. Until that food becomes eliminated by the body, the potential for it affecting a person's breath is present.


• Poor oral health: Without proper and consistent brushing and flossing, and routine examinations by your dentist, food remains in the mouth, which is a breeding ground for bacteria, which, in turn, causes odorous breath. Food that is allowed to collect on the teeth, gums, and tongue may cause the gums to rot, which causes an unpleasant odour and taste in your mouth.


• Poor cleaning of dentures: Dentures that are not cleaned properly may be collecting bacteria and remaining food particles which cause bad breath.


• Periodontal disease: One of the primary symptoms of this gum disease is very unpleasant, odorous breath, and a very bad taste in the mouth. This condition requires immediate care by our oral health professionals.


• Xerostomia (dry mouth): This condition is often a large contributor to halitosis. Characterized by a significant decrease in saliva production, the mouth is unable to cleanse itself and remove debris and particles left behind by food. Xerostomia may be caused by certain medications, a salivary gland disorder, or by continuously breathing through the mouth, instead of the nose.


• Tobacco products: Not only do tobacco products stain the teeth and put the body at risk for a host of diseases, they also contribute to bad breath. Tobacco users also are at an increased risk for of periodontal disesase, a loss of taste ability and irritated gums.

Treatment for halitosis:

Specific treatment for halitosis will be determined by our dentist based on:

• the health of your mouth
• the cause or origin of the condition
• extent of the condition
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• your opinion or preference