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Halitosis/Chronic Bad
Breath
Halitosis is most often caused
by the breakdown of food particles by bacteria that inhibit our mouths.
These bacteria are often found under plaque, in the spaces between teeth
and gums and in the deeper crevices on your tongue. As the bacteria feed
on food debris, they produce a byproduct called volatile sulfur compounds
(VSC), which includes gases such as hydrogen sulfide -- which smells like
rotten eggs!
Bad breath is also associated with periodontal disease (gum disease).
Pockets are formed in the gums around teeth, and these begin to widen, and
break down adjacent gum tissue. The deeper pockets get, the more they
capture food, and provide even more places for bacteria to hide. This
becomes a vicious cycle as the bacteria grow in ever-increasing pockets,
which then produce more and more VSC.
The good news is that VSC can be neutralized. Dentists and other health
professionals use gas measurement devices called halimeters to determine
the quantities of these gases, and to determine where they are coming
from. With a combination of professional dental help and special hygiene
routines, most cases of halitosis can be successfully treated.
What are some of the most
common benefits of this treatment?
Halitosis can put a strain on
a person’s social and professional life. Bad breath can spur feelings of
inadequacy in all types of social situations. Treating bad breath can
restore self-confidence and allow the focus to return to what you are
saying instead of how your breath smells.
If you're considering halitosis treatment, the following information
will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure. For more
detailed information about how this procedure may help you, we recommend
that you consult a dentist or hygienist with experience in treating
halitosis.
What will happen at the
initial consultation?
When making an appointment to
see a dentist or other health professional make sure to tell them you are
seeking solutions to halitosis. They may ask you not to eat, drink, smoke,
chew gum, use breath fresheners, or wear anything on your lips (chapstick,
lipstick, etc.) for several hours prior to the examination. This will help
provide you with the best assessment possible.
Your dentist will ask you questions to help determine the possible
causes of your problem, and try to determine if the odor is coming from
your nose or mouth. She/he may use a gas monitor, such as a halimeter, to
help determine where the odor originates. The procedure is not painful. It
is very much like holding a thermometer in your mouth. Your dentist may
also take a few bacteria samples for lab testing as well.
Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the
procedure. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and
benefits is the key to making an informed decision. See Questions to ask
your doctor below.
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How are the treatments
performed?
Your dentist will tailor the procedure to fit your
specific case, but the following information will help you understand some
of the issues related to halitosis:
- It is very
important that you thoroughly brush and floss your teeth regularly.
This helps to remove the food and dead tissue that bacteria feed on.
- The
bacteria associated with halitosis do not survive in oxygen. Plaque
and periodontal pockets shield the bacteria from the oxygen
circulating through your mouth. Brushing and flossing remove this
plaque, exposing the bacteria to oxygen that will kill it.
- If you have
gum disease, bad breath can result. In this case, your dentist may
prescribe a special irrigator used to flush out the pockets in your
gums. Your dentist or hygienist will teach you how to use the device
for best results.
- Bad breath
can also be caused by a sticky plaque and food buildup on the back
of the tongue and may appear white. This is the most noticeable when
your ill. If this is causing your problem, your dentist may suggest
that you use a special tongue-scraping device for cleaning your
tongue. You can obtain this device from you dentist, hygienist.
- Chewing gum
and breath mints can also help eliminate breath odor, but not in the
way you might expect, by masking it. Gum and mints increase saliva
flow, helping to wash away bacteria. That’s why you wake up with
“morning breath.” When saliva flow decreases during sleep, bacteria
grow more rapidly. However, use mints sparingly because an excessive
amount of either could promote tooth decay, and chewing gum isn’t
always good for your joints.
- If you have
a very dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe artificial saliva.
Drinking more fluids helps as well.
How long do the
treatments take, and is there any pain?
A good
oral hygiene routine doesn’t take much time. Depending on the source
of your problem, you may need to use artificial saliva, frequently
scrape your tongue, irrigate your gums, or simply brush and floss more
often. Most people report their treatments are easy and comfortable.
Afterward, you can look forward to the confidence that comes from
knowing you have cleaner, fresher-smelling breath.
Where will the treatments
be performed?
After
determining the source of your problem, the necessary procedures will
first be demonstrated in your dentist’s office so that you can carry
them out at home. In more severe cases, you may need to be referred to
a specialist.
Ideal candidate:
In
general, the best candidates for halitosis treatments are people who
are:
seeking help for their halitosis problems.
willing to do their part daily in order to improve their breath.
realistic in their expectations.
The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your dentist
or hygienist may consider in determining whether or not this procedure
is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your dentist or hygienist if he
/ she considers you an ideal candidate for this procedure.
Other important
information:
Contrary to popular opinion, mouthwash is not a good solution to bad
breath. Mouthwashes can temporarily mask the odor, but most
mouthwashes have high alcohol content. The alcohol dries out oral
tissue – making bad breath even worse!
Many halitosis solutions involve reducing bacteria. It is important to
understand that while too much bacteria can lead to foul odor, you do
not want to completely eliminate all bacteria. A small amount of
bacteria helps control the levels of harmful microorganisms such as
the yeast-like organism, Candida.
Keep in mind that bad breath can also signal a medical disorder such
as a respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic
bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, and liver disease
or kidney ailment. If your breath does not improve with dental
treatment, or if you have other symptoms, it is important that you see
a qualified doctor without delay.
Risks and Limitations:
The real
risk is not developing a good oral hygiene routine. Failure to do so
could lead to the decay of your teeth and gums causing mobility or
tooth lose, as well as worsening halitosis.
The
information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this
procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you
will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The
best method of determining your options is to consult qualified clinicians
who are able to answer specific questions related to your situation.
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