Bad Breath: You Can Treat It

Halitosis, or bad breath, is often used to describe foul or offensive odors from the mouth.  Malodors may be caused by smoking, alcohol and certain foods and spices, such as onions and garlic.  We are generally aware when we have malodors from these sources and use various mouth rinses to reduce such bad breath. In many cases, our attempts are ineffective.

Other sources of malodor may be chronic.  We are often unaware of this condition.  Likewise, we may be embarrassed to ask our friends and family members if we suffer from this condition.  In most cases, chronic halitosis can be successfully treated.

Oral sources of halitosis can include plaque and calculus deposits around and under the gum line.  These products can result in gingivitis and periodontal disease.  Your dentist or dental hygienist can best determine if you have either condition as a source of you malodor.  For many patients treatment can be as simple as a professional dental cleaning, often in conjunction with periodontal scaling and root planing, also called "deep cleaning".

In many cases oral malodors are from the bacteria that form on the tongue surface.  This is often associated with deep fissures, or grooves on the tongue surface, which harbor bacteria that produce these malodors.  You may also observe a thick coating on the tongue surface.  Treatment is both simple and effective.  Special tongue scrapers can be used to clean the surface of the tongue.  You may experience some discomfort and perhaps some slight bleeding if this has been a long-term issue.  Likewise, your dentist can suggest various mouth rinses containing zinc or chlorhexidine to further aid in reducing oral sources of malodors.

Although over 80% of chronic halitosis can be attributed to oral sources, other conditions can likewise result in this condition.  These include chronic sinus infections, as well as malodors from retained tonsils.  Chronic kidney problems, as well as uncontrolled diabetes may also cause other distinctive forms of malodor.  If chronic malodors continue in spite of good oral hygiene and regular cleanings by your dentist, you should seek the opinion of a periodontist to further evaluate your condition.  The periodontist may have you seek advice from you physician relative to other non-oral sources of this condition.  Oral malodors can be successfully treated.  You no longer have to worry about public embarrassment in speaking and laughing.  The first step is yours.  The results can keep you smiling for life!