Bad Breath Treatment

Bad breath is also known as halitosis or oral malodor.

What are the causes of bad breath?

Most of the time, bad breath is caused by issues within the mouth.

These will result from bacterial accumulation in the mouth resulting from

• Poor oral hygiene
• Gum inflammation
• Periodontal inflammation
• Inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the crown of a partially erupted tooth (Pericoronitis)
• Infected extraction sockets
• Debris under bridges or appliances
• Debris over the tongue
• Mouth ulcers
• Dry mouth

Other causes include

• Consumption of pungent foods that cause volatile sulfur compounds – e.g., onion, garlic.
• Smoking, consumption of alcohol
• Other cases of bad breath could arise from disorders of the nose, sinuses, tonsils, throat, esophagus, stomach, and lungs
• Bad breath can be due to an underlying medical condition such as liver failure or renal failure

How is bad breath treated?

Thorough clinical history and examination are required to determine the underlying cause of bad breath.

Sulfide monitor devices such as halimeter and OralChroma are used to calculate the levels of sulfur in the breath.

Removal of any intraoral causes of bad breath.

Avoidance of smoking, alcohol and food stuffs that cause bad breath.

A multidisciplinary approach is often needed to manage underlying medical conditions that cause bad breath.