Bad Breath Treatment

Treatment for Bad breath (Halitosis)

Halitosis (bad breath) is a common condition triggered by Sulphur-producing bacteria that live within the top of the tongue and in the neck. The treatment for halitosis will depend on the underlying cause. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, dry-mouth, dental infections and nasal or sinus infections can cause bad breath. Good oral hygiene, including brushing flossing and tongue cleaning, is important. Other treatments may include mouthwashes, nasal spray or antibiotics.

What causes halitosis?

In addition to the Sulphur-producing bacteria that colonize the top of the tongue, the other significant reasons behind halitosis are:

• Oral Factors – such as gingivitis and  periodontitis (an infection around one’s teeth) or poor dental hygiene
• Dry mouth area – induced by medicines, alcoholic beverages, stress or a condition
• Smoking – This starves the oral cavity of oxygen
• Gum Disease – Causes  not only tooth ache but also bad breath

Less common cause behind halitosis includes:

• Acidity and bile reflux from the stomach
• Post-nasal release – for example,  chronic sinusitis
• Kidney failing, various carcinomas, metabolic dysfunctions, and biochemical disorders, jointly take into account only an extremely small ratio of halitosis suffers
• Foods – such as onions, garlic clove or cauliflower, which generate certain odours. However, these results are just short-lived.

Symptoms of halitosis

The symptoms of halitosis can include:

• A white coating on the tongue especially at the back of the tongue
• Dry mouth
• Build up around teeth
• Post-nasal drip, or mucous
• Morning bad breath and a burning tongue
• Thick saliva and a constant need to clear your throat
• Constant sour, bitter metallic taste.

Having halitosis can have a major impact on a person. Because of bad breath, other people may back away or turn their heads. This can cause a loss of confidence and self-esteem.

What are the treatments of halitosis?

There is no single treatment for halitosis. The treatment will depend on what is causing the problem. Avoiding dehydration and good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, are important. Some mouthwashes, lozenges and toothpastes can assist in fighting halitosis.

Gentle but effective tongue cleaning may also be required. A variety of tongue brushes and scrapers have been produced in recent years. The tongue should be brushed in a gentle but thorough manner, from the back towards the front of the tongue. Keep in mind that the hardest to reach portion in the back  smells the worst.

People with chronic sinusitis may find the regular use of a saline nasal spray helpful. A course of an antibiotic, effective against anaerobic bacteria (such as metronidazole, to reduce the overgrowth of sulfur-producing bacteria), may also help. Speak to your dentist near you, doctor or chemist to identify the cause of your halitosis and to find the most effective treatment for you.

We suggest to visit dentist near your place if you are observing symptoms.