Fresh Breath Clinic
- The Fresh Breath centre for definitive halitosis treatment is offered here. Bad breath is a health issue and an increasingly prevalent one. Almost 50% of the population at any one time will be suffering, either temporarily or constantly.
- The word Halitosis takes it’s meaning from both Latin and Greek. ‘Halitus’ is Latin for air breathed out and ‘osis’ is Greek for pathological alteration.
- Halitosis is due to bacterial breakdown and putrefaction of debris, dead oral mucosa cells and saliva in the mouth and on the tongue surface. This leads to the release of noxious smelly gases including thiols and volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs).
- Bad breath or Halitosis is sometimes a symptom of a disease. This is one reason why it is important – if you have any concerns in this area – to be seen by someone who is fully trained in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of halitosis. When we suspect an underlying disease we will refer you to a specialist physician for appropriate medical treatment. This will save you time, money, worry and unnecessary delay.
Categories of Bad Breath
- Genuine halitosis
- Pseudo halitosis
- Halitophobia
All three groups need assessment and treatment.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
- 80-90% of the bad breath is due to dental or gum disease.
- 8-10% is caused by upper and lower respiratory disorders/disease such as tonsillitis, sinusitis and lung infections.
- 2-3% of cases are due to ‘systemic disease’.
Cure
It may seem obvious, but it is vital that a correct diagnosis be made initially. Is this genuine halitosis or halitophobia? In general it can be said that management depends on the reduction of volatile thiols and sulphur compounds in the mouth. This means a full dental examination including x-ray studies allied to repair and replacement of any poorly contoured existing fillings, cleaning of bacterial pockets and attention to any intraoral pathology such as thrush. The patient is instructed in a good oral hygiene regime where brushing teeth and tongue, using floss daily and using an effective mouthwash are essential. There is some controversy about mouthwashes but many agents are safe and effective e.g. Zinc and Triclosan. If we find that the halitosis is extra oral in origin, we will refer to the appropriate specialist.
We know that ridding someone of bad breath can restore confidence and open a bright new world for the sufferer. Halitosis is a treatable and curable condition and no one should needlessly suffer. That is what we dedicate ourselves to at the Fresh Breath Clinic.