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It is far more common than one might think to have bad breath - chronic halitosis - that doesn't go away. Most of us have at least wondered about the freshness of our breath at times. Many people with this chronic problem are not fully aware of their condition. Fortunately, It's a problem that can be dealt with and managed. It's important to know that the solution lies beyond simply
brushing, flossing and rinsing with regular mouthwashes. Good oral hygiene is very necessary, but not sufficient. Regular mouth washes merely "mask" bad breath and many times actually enhance the odor. |
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Description of Halitosis |
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There are two types of halitosis - transitory and chronic. Transitory halitosis is primarily caused by foods, like garlic and onions. This generally lasts from 24 to 72 hours and improves (meaning the odor subsides) over time. Chronic halitosis does not improve over time. Quite the opposite. The odor of chronic halitosis comes from two foul-smelling gasses: hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan. These gasses result when certain bacteria in the mouth or on the tongue cause the formation of volatile sulfur compounds. And even though this is a long-term problem, it is highly treatable. But not by the simplistic means of masking with brushing and mouthwash rinses. |
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Dealing With the Causes and Effects |
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While there is no permanent cure for the cause of 90% of chronic halitosis, the problem can be effectively managed. The first step to achieving the freshest possible breath is a careful diagnosis of the types, locations and causes of halitosis.
If halitosis of oral bacterial origin is present, corrective therapy is begun to:
- reduce the foul smelling volatile sulfur compounds
and at the same time
- kill the organisms responsible for the formation of the volatile sulfur compounds.
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The Bigger Problem of Merely Masking |
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Even though there are some products that can mask the bad odors of halitosis for a while, simply brushing or rinsing with mouthwashes does little to eliminate bad breath beyond a few minutes.
As important, nearly all mouthwash products contain alcohol that dries soft oral tissue, which ultimately can lead to ever faster formation of odor causing bacteria. Thus, rather than being helped, the problem is more likely to be expanded. |
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What to Do |
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First, make an appointment to come in for an analysis and diagnosis. Subsequent visits - usually one to two - will focus on correcting your problems with anti-infective therapy. Further instruction is given to help you learn how to prevent re-infection with specialized cleansing and irrigation techniques that will help control the growth of odor-producing bacteria in the mouth.
Todd W. Marshall, DDS
Bad Breath Relief of Minnesota
Southdale Medical Building
6545 France Avenue South, Suite 366
Minneapolis, MN 55435
Call Today: 1-952-926-3858 |