Treating Bad Breath

The key to treating halitosis is accurate diagnosis. Like other medical conditions, bad breath occurs in different degrees of severity which can be scientifically measured with the use of specialized tools. The Halimeter was introduced in the early 1990s as the first medical instrument designed specifically to assess oral malodor. The invention reads levels of volatile sulfur compounds, found in past studies to contribute to foul breath. In recent years, doctors have opted for tests that analyze enzymes in saliva. These include the BANA exam and the evaluation of Beta-galactosidase levels in the mouth. While instruments have led to a more quantitative understanding of bad breath, the most common and trusted method of measuring the ailment is by actual smell. Experts in the field sniff and rank bad breath on a six point intensity scale, categorizing cases by the level and type of odor.

Once halitosis has been successfully diagnosed, there are a number of options for treatment. Regular tongue cleaning at home can help keep your breath fresh by reducing odor-causing bacteria on the surface. Physicians recommend using a tongue brush to scrape off mucus and other foreign particles, but warn against damaging fragile taste buds at the back of the tongue. Halitosis sufferers may also use a teaspoon turned upside down to accomplish the same task. Using a regular toothbrush, however, is counterproductive because it simply spreads microorganisms.

Mouthwash can also be an effective tool in fighting bad breath. Many brands contain antibacterial compounds that kill germs in the mouth while others employ alcohol as a natural drying agent. Formulas that include chemical odor eliminators are also widely used in bad breath treatment, but they provide only short-term relief.

A small step that is often overlooked in the prevention of halitosis is regular flossing. During meals, debris is often deposited in between teeth and along the gumline. Over time, these particles rot and cause foul odors. Used correctly, dental floss removes both harmful food debris and bacterial plaque from these sensitive areas.

Certain foods contribute to good oral hygiene by acting as cleaners themselves. Those with rough textures can cleanse the extreme back of the tongue more safely than some tools. Chewing sugar-free gum combats mouth dryness, which leads to increased bacteria and consequentially, oral malodor. The production of saliva aids in rinsing the tongue of contaminants.

Halitosis and its treatment have received less attention than other health issues within the medical community. The aforementioned remedies apply only when the source is oral, but there have been other documented causes of bad breath. For example, infections or foreign bodies in the nose can create strong odors in the air expelled through the nostrils. Tonsil purification has also been shown to contribute to oral malodor in a small number of cases. In these situations, treating the root conditions may cure the halitosis.

Although bad breath can have detrimental effects on the sufferer’s social interactions and self-perception, it is little more than a nuisance. A dental health professional will help you to develop a specialized care plan. The results may be the most permanent, but this option is also the most expensive. At-home remedies can also be effective, depending on the severity of the case, and they are usually very affordable. Quick fixes, such as mints and freshening sprays only mask foul breath for a short time, but offer no real solution. Experts agree that the best way to prevent bad breath is by maintaining good hygiene and dental health. Brushing, flossing, tongue cleaning, and even drinking several glasses of water each day are actions that go a long way in keeping your whole mouth fresh.

Thank you to Kristen McMahan for this "Bad Breath Treatment" article.