Halitosis Treatment

Treating bad breath at home

Patients with bad breath, medically known as halitosis, can sometimes experience an improvement in their symptoms by paying greater attention to their oral hygiene routine by:

• Avoiding the use of any tobacco product, which contains chemicals that linger in the mouth
• Brushing after every meal with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes
• Brushing the tongue as part of every toothbrushing, focusing especially on the back portion where bacteria accumulate
• Cleaning between the teeth with dental floss or a Waterpik water flosser at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque
• Use of an alcohol-free mouthwash as a final step in the oral hygiene routine to help eliminate remaining bacteria

Dry mouth can cause bad breath

Dry mouth (also known as xerostomia) caused by a salivary gland condition or medication usage, can also contribute to the growth of certain halitosis causing bacteria in your mouth. Saliva naturally cleanses the mouth and helps control bacterial growth. If you experience frequent dry mouth accompanied by bad breath, that could be the cause. Maintaining adequate moisture levels in the mouth with the use of a dry mouth spray, rinses, or moisturizing gel can be beneficial under these circumstances. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day and chewing sugar-free gum can also stimulate saliva production.

Professional halitosis treatment

Effective treatment of halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, depends on identifying the specific origin of the problem. Dr. Bains can help determine the appropriate treatment approach for your halitosis concerns based on contributing factors identified during a comprehensive oral examination. This assessment includes microbiological testing that is simple to obtain and pain-free, specifically designed to determine if bacterial overgrowth is a primary factor. Lewis Estates Dental Centre uses the OraVital system to identify elevated levels of aggressive bacterial populations in the mouth which may be contributing to halitosis concerns.

Bad breath treatment and regular dental hygiene

Halitosis treatment should run parallel with your regular dental hygiene therapy. Ensuring you maintain your recommended frequency of dental hygiene appointments is essential to developing and maintaining healthy bacterial populations in your mouth. Severe or rampant gum disease or periodontal disease has a high correlation with the overgrowth of certain odor-causing bacteria. Keeping the bacterial populations of the mouth in balance is therefore extremely important for breath freshness. Regular dental exams can also detect oral infections such as cavities or impacted teeth which can also contribute to bad breath. Once these dental issues are resolved through effective dental treatment, halitosis will usually dissipate as the mouth returns to a healthier state.