Halitosis (bad breath)
Treatment forbad breath (halitosis) will depend on its cause.
Usually, the most effective treatment is improving your dental hygiene. As part of your daily routine, you should:
You may want to consider investing in an electric toothbrush, which can make cleaning easier and more effective.
Your dentist will probably recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day using Fluoride toothpaste.
Below are some tips on how to brush your teeth and keep your mouth healthy. You should:
Your dentist may recommend that you rinse your mouth daily using an antibacterial or anti-odour mouthwash. This shouldn't replace brushing, but can be included as part of your daily routine.
Clean your dentures thoroughly before putting them in the next morning:
Your dentures should stay clean and fresh if you follow this routine. It will also help prevent the build-up of plaque, which can cause bad breath.
To help keep your breath fresh, you should:
You should visit your dentist for regular check-ups. Having regular dental check-ups will ensure any plaque and calculus previously known as tartar is removed from your teeth, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach.
Your dentist can recommend the best way to clean your teeth and gums, and point out areas you might be missing. They can also identify any signs of gum disease and ensure early treatment.
Bad breath can be caused by a gastrointestinal problem, such as an H. pylori infection or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) . You may be referred to a gastroenterologist.
The treatment recommendedwill depend on the type of gastrointestinal condition you have. For example, if you have a stomach ulcer , you may need acombination of two or three different antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). This is known as eradication therapy.
Find out what causes bad breath (halitosis), how to treat and prevent it, and when to seek medical advice.
Read about the possible causes of bad breath (halitosis), including poor oral hygiene, food and drink, smoking, crash dieting, certain medications, and, in rare cases, certain medical conditions.
Read about how bad breath (halitosis) can be treated and prevented. Treatment for bad breath will depend on what's causing it.