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July 1996

Is bad breath always treatable?

In the past, bad breath was often considered to be an incurable affliction. However, in recent years it has become increasingly evident that bad breath is usually treatable once a proper diagnosis is made.

The main problem is knowing whether we have it or not, because we are poor judges of our own breath odour. Some people suffer from bad breath without knowing it, while others build up exaggerated fears about breath odour even though they do not have it. The best way to find out whether we have bad breath is to ask for someone else's opinion. If we don't ask, other people are unlikely to tell us. And since bad breath can sometimes - fortunately rarely - be a sign of a significant general health problem, we should not be reluctant to tell people dear to us that they have a bad breath problem.

What should I do if I have bad breath?

If you have reason to believe that there is a problem, then see your dentist first, since bad breath often comes from the mouth itself.

When you see the dentist, it is a good idea to explain in advance that you will be asking for advice about bad breath. Also, try to go with someone who is familiar with the problem, to help give the dentist an objective picture of how bad the odour really is, how long it has been going on, and when it improves or gets worse. Since bad breath often varies, a family member or friend can also help determine whether the odour at the time of the appointment resembles, both in character and intensity, the odour that is generally troublesome.

If the dentist knows that the consultation is about bad breath, you may be asked not to eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, suck confectionery, use mouthwashes, breath fresheners etc., so that the odour will be more typical. You should also avoid using perfumed cosmetic products, such as perfume, aftershave and scented lipstick prior to the appointment, since it can interfere with the odour assessment. If the dentist is not told about the reason for the consultation beforehand, do these things anyway and tell the dentist that you have prepared for the appointment in this way.

What will happen at my appointment?

Your dentist will ask questions to help determine the possible causes of the odour, and then compare the odour coming from your mouth and nose. In most cases (about 85-95%) , the odour comes from the mouth rather than the nose. This is an indication that bacterial activity somewhere in the mouth is responsible. If the odour comes mostly from the nose, then the nasal passages may be involved.

Your dentist may also make measurements using a sulphide monitor to help in diagnosis and treatment, since volatile sulphur compounds are often associated with bad breath.

This table summarizes different odour-related problems, and their possible causes.

In some people, bad breath is associated with gum disease, especially if rubbing the areas between the teeth and gums yields a foul odour. Your dentist can help prevent and treat gum diseases in various ways, depending on the type and extent of the problem, but your own daily home care makes all the difference in the world in maintaining gum health between appointments. Cleaning of the spaces between the teeth is of great importance. One home tip to healthy gums (and less bad breath) is to smell the odour coming from the dental floss, and to work to clean those areas more carefully. 

People with gum disease often have higher levels of odour coming from their tongue, as well.

What type of treatment is there?

Your dentist may recommend dental treatment, if there are other areas in which bacteria and food can become trapped and cause odour. The dentist may also suggest daily rinsing with one of several available mouthwashes which have been scientifically shown to reduce bad breath over time.

Your dentist may also refer you to clinics that specialize in identifying breath odours, or to other medical experts.

What can I do?

In all probability, professional diagnosis and treatment can help turn bad breath into good breath. However, it is sometimes difficult for us to sense the improvement ourselves. In this case, a family member or close friend can also provide important feedback and reinforcement.

Listed below are some of the Do's and Don'ts regarding bad breath. Remember, bad breath is a problem that needs professional attention. Don't mask it - deal with it.

Do's

• Visit your dentist regularly.
• Have your teeth cleaned periodically by a dental professional.
• Floss or otherwise clean between your teeth, as recommended by your dentist. Choose unscented floss so that you can detect those areas between your teeth that give off odours, and clean them more carefully.
• Brush your teeth and gums properly.
• Ask your dentist to recommend a toothbrush or scraper for your tongue. Clean your tongue all the way back gently, but thoroughly.
• Drink plenty of liquids.
• Chew sugar-free gum for a minute or two at a time, especially if your mouth feels dry. chewing parsley, mint, cloves or fennel seeds may also help.
• Clean your mouth after eating or drinking milk products, fish and meat.
• Unless your dentist advises otherwise, soak dentures overnight in antiseptic solution.
• Get control over the problem. Ask a family member to tell you whenever you have bad breath.
• If someone in your family or a close friend has bad breath, find a kind way to let them know. If you can't tell them directly, leave this fact file lying around. They may get the message.
• Ask your dentist to recommend a mouthwash which has been shown to be clinically effective in fighting bad breath. 
• Use it most effectively right before sleeping.
• Eat fresh, fibrous vegetables such as carrots.

• Don't let your concern about having bad breath run your life. Don't be passive.
• Don't be depressed. Get help. Don't ignore your gums - you can lose your teeth as well as smell bad.
• Don't drink too much coffee - it may make the situation worse.
• Don't forget to clean behind the back teeth in each row.
• Don't brush your tongue with regular toothpaste - it's better to dip your toothbrush in mouthwash for tongue cleaning.
• Don't run to the gastroenterologist for concerns of having bad breath - it usually comes from the mouth and almost never from the stomach.
• Don't give mouthwash to very young children, as they can swallow it.
• Don't clean your tongue so hard that it hurts.
• Don't rely on mouthwash alone - practice complete oral hygiene.