Cures for Chronic Halitosis

Halitosis is the medical term used to describe bad breath. When it becomes persistent and difficult to get rid of, it is known as chronic halitosis. Treatment for chronic halitosis is the same as treating a regular case of bad breath, though the methods employed are usually done with more frequency and greater intensity. Treatment ranges from simple hygiene to preventative measures. If the halitosis is caused by an underlying condition, treating that is the first step.

Causes

• The causes of halitosis are myriad. The most common culprit is poor hygiene, which can lead to a number of dental problems such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, which in turn causes bad breath. Other times the culprit is food particles stuck between the teeth, or foods that have a particularly pungent odor, such as garlic and onions. Dry mouth caused by tobacco use and sleeping with your mouth open can lead to halitosis as well. Halitosis as the result of any of these can typically be cured through proper hygiene.

  Oftentimes the source of halitosis is an underlying condition such sinus infections, lung infections, acid reflux and kidney infections. While proper hygiene and over-the-counter breath mints may provide temporary relief, severe halitosis as the result of another disease or an infection requires treatment of said condition first, tough basic preventative measures such as regular flossing and brushing your teeth will help.

Hygiene and Prevention

• The simplest way to cure chronic halitosis is through the employment of good hygiene. Brushing and flossing after every meal is the preferred and indeed the most effective method of curing chronic halitosis, especially when the culprit is food particles and bacteria. Flossing helps dislodge the particles from between the teeth while brushing helps to remove plaque and provides immediate freshness and relief. Additionally, as much of the bacteria that causes bad breath lives in the back of the mouth, brushing your tongue as far back as your gag reflex will allow will help clear away the offending bacteria.

  Consuming adequate amounts of water or chewing sugar-free gum will help stimulate the production of saliva and thus prevent dry mouth. Avoiding soft drinks and alcohol is recommended.

  Those with dentures should let them soak in a disinfectant while sleeping, and those who wear braces should be sure to clean thoroughly between each bracket to prevent food and other particles from gathering and causing halitosis. Scheduling regular dentist appointments is crucial, as your dentist can locate the exact cause of halitosis just from the smell. Plus, regular dental cleaning helps keep the teeth healthy and thus prevents conditions such as gum disease from occurring.

Other Methods

• While proper hygiene and treating the underlying cause (if any) are the most effective ways of curing chronic halitosis, other, more temporary methods of relief exist. Sugarless gums, flavored breath freshener in either a spray or liquid form (e.g., Binaca), and mints such as Tic-Tacs can provide immediate, short-term relief.

  For a more natural method, chewing on a piece of fresh parsley, a sprig of mint, or spearmint leaves can help provide temporary relief.

  If your bad breath does not clear up with the aforementioned methods, a doctor should be consulted, as the cause might be a more serious underlying condition.