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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffTreatment for bad breath can vary, depending on the cause. If your bad breath is found to be caused by an underlying health condition, your dentist will likely attempt to help you better control that condition. Other dental measures may include certain mouthwashes and toothpastes or treatment of dental disease.
- Mouth rinses and toothpastes. If your bad breath is due to a buildup of bacteria (plaque) on your teeth, your dentist may recommend a mouth rinse that kills the bacteria. Research shows that those containing cetylpyridinium chloride and those with chlorhexidine can prevent production of odors that cause bad breath. Other active ingredients, such as chlorine dioxide and zinc, are good at neutralizing odor-causing bacterial byproducts. Your dentist may also recommend a toothpaste that contains an antibacterial agent to kill the bacteria that cause plaque buildup.
- Treatment of dental disease. If your dentist discovers that you have gum disease, you may be referred to a periodontist (gum specialist). Gum disease can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, leaving deep pockets that accumulate odor-causing bacteria. Sometimes these bacteria can be removed only by professional cleaning. Your dentist might also recommend replacing faulty tooth restorations, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
References
- Armstrong BL, et al. Halitosis: A review of current literature. The Journal of Dental Hygiene. 2010;84:65.
- Bad breath (Halitosis). American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/2941.aspx. Accessed April 6, 2010.
- Struch F, et al. Self-reported halitosis and gastro-esophageal reflux disease in the general population. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2008;23:260.
- How do I choose and use a toothbrush? Academy of General Dentistry. http://www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=291&Topic=B&ArtID=1128#body. Accessed April 14, 2010.
- Rosenberg M. Bad breath. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 16, 2010.
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