Halitosis, also known as bad breath, is a condition that affects a surprisingly large number of people. The issue is usually the result of bacteria that has become trapped inside the mouth for an extended period of time. In serious cases, the problem can severely affect a person’s day-to-day life and damage their confidence. We will work to treat the true cause of a patient’s bad breath so that they can enjoy oral freshness and proudly show their smile off to the world.

It is very common for odor-causing bacteria to accumulate on the tongue, between the teeth and below the gum line. Mildly unpleasant breath can occur if the buildups are allowed to manifest for just a few hours, and when these accumulations remain present for several days at a time, severe halitosis can quickly follow. People often try to treat the issue on their own using gum, mints and mouth rinses, but these remedies only work to mask the problem. Only with professional halitosis treatment can the problem truly be solved.

Most cases of halitosis can be cured with a professional cleaning. During this process, we will reach deep between teeth and below the gum line to eliminate any unwanted buildups of bacteria. Providing a tongue scraping is also a good idea when the tongue is the primary source of the odor-causing bacteria. This cleaning can typically be done at the same time as a dental checkup. The patient should then experience freshened breath for many months to follow.

Some cases of halitosis are the result of gingivitis or gum disease. In these cases, the unpleasant odor is the result of bacteria becoming trapped beneath the individual’s gum line. Scaling and root planing treatments can often put a stop to the bad breath. These treatments remove the odor-causing bacteria and prevent future accumulations from occurring.

We would like to stress that the best way to prevent halitosis from occurring is to maintain proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing one’s teeth at least twice per day and flossing at least once per day. Our dental hygienists will typically review proper brushing and flossing techniques with any patient who is suffering from reoccurring halitosis.  It is also important to receive a dental checkup at least twice per year so that regular cleanings can be provided.

There are a small number of cases in which halitosis is the result of something more serious. This could include an internal issue that needs to be addressed. If this is the case, we will refer the patient to an appropriate specialist who can more effectively deal with the problem.

If you are suffering from halitosis, we will work to put a stop to the problem so that you can experience pleasant breath and smile proudly. You may call us at (540) 898-8181 to schedule an appointment.