First, we need to distinguish between the types of Halitosis :

1. Chronic bad breath: This is a condition where a person suffers from a constant bad breath that does not go with different masking solutions, like a mouthwash or brushing the teeth . There are several reasons to this type:
   1. We need to check that a systemic disease like diabetes , gastrointestinal problems , sinus or tonsil infection are not the cause.
   2. Some times a strict diet can be the casue.
   3. Bad breath as a result of dental problems like caries with a large amount of decay and active bacteria  which cause bad breath .
   4. Bleeding and painful gums as a result of food impaction into the gums between the teeth that harbour bacteria.
   5. An abscess related to an erupting wisdom tooth or a tooth which has bacteria in the pulp, can lead to the secretion of pus , which is also a significant cause to bad breath .
   6. A large volume of bacteria deposited on the tongue.
   7. As a result of fixed or removable dentures which accumulate bacteria which produce bad breath. We need to check and make sure that they are clean .
2. Transient bad breath : the signs of it are:  a dry mouth and bad taste after sleeping , after certain types of food or when there is a low saliva flow to rinse the bacteria and neutralise their products.  A significant percentage of the population suffers  from this condition, including young children and teenagers.

What caused bad breath ?

The odour is mainly created by the breaking down of proteins into separate amino acids,  some amino acids then undergo further decomposition to form a byproduct called hydrogen sulfide ( H2S ) . This volatile sulfur compound has been found to have a strong relationship with bad breath.  .

In fact, 90 % of the cases of bad breath originate from the mouth.  The back of the tongue is the most common location for the bacteria to accumulate since it is difficult to clean and break down the proteins .

It is common to have a stronger bad breath after fasting,  talking for extended periods of time and smoking. Since the saliva does not wash the bacteria which continue to break down the proteins and cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and the bad smell.

Who suffers from it?

A significant part of the population suffers from bad breath, but there are more ‘ vulnerable ‘ groups  , like smokers , those with systemic diseases like diabetes or children and adolescents.

It seem obvious that a person who smokes, will suffer then an unpleasant odour , but the thought that young children and adolescents are suffering , needs to be brought to the awareness of the parents. The present of bad breath in young children is especially severe due to the consequences of the bad smell from the mouth on social interactions. This can cause some times social rejection and real emotional distress . Therefore it is very important to pay attention to your child’s breath and see if they suffer from it.

How can it be treated ?

The difficulty with bad breath is the inherent disability of a man to feel his own breath . There is much denial, shame and reluctance of peers  to inform someone close when he or she suffers from the problem. This can lead to even more embarrassing situations when everybody is aware of a person’s bad breath – except of himself.

Once the person becomes aware of the condition they have can either invest in masking agents. The masking agents are mints , mouth sprays , chewing gum or  coffee beans , chewing parsley, or drinking chamomile tea .  Generally most of these product mask the bad smell for a short time ( 5-10 minutes ) without do not provide a real solution .

Or seek our help for a comprehensive examination to check the reasons for the bad breath and to provide a long lasting reprieve . In our examination we check all possible cause for bad breath and recommend a tailor made solution.

Please call us for an appointment at 98227006.