According to the American Dental Association somewhere between 35 and 45 percent of the population suffers from chronic halitosis. Bad breath can be a social obstacle and a source of anxiety. Gum and mouth washes only temporarily mask the problem. Halitosis is a persistent condition and always returns to create discomfort, shame and embarrassment.There are a number of biological factors that may be contributing to your bad breath condition. The best strategic approach for treating chronic halitosis is visiting a specialist at a dedicated bad breath clinic. Only a specialist will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis as to the causes of your condition and an accurate diagnosis will allow you to determine which treatments will be most effective. (Be sure to choose a specialist that does not peddle their own brand of products! You want to find someone you can trust to honestly recommend treatments without any underlying conflicts of interest.)
If you cannot visit a specialist, the following are the best bad breath treatments available to you at home.

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Do not brush more than three times a day as it can damage your teeth and increase halitosis symptoms.
  • If you wear dentures, be sure to soak them every night in a denture cleanser and brush all the areas of your mouth that come in contact with your dentures.
  • Use a tongue scrapper or brush your tongue – especially towards the back– every morning.
  • Floss every day. Better yet, use a Hydro Floss Oral Irrigator. These devices pulse ionized water molecules through the teeth creating a hostile environment for anaerobic bacteria.
  • Use a non alcohol mouth wash that contains chlorine dioxide. (Alcohol based mouthwashes will actually make halitosis worse!) Not all chlorine dioxide formulations are the same nor are they all equally as effective.
  • Have your teeth cleaned professionally every 6 months.
  • If you suffer from allergies or have sinus issues, your sinuses may be contributing to your bad breath problem. In these cases, a nasal irrigation system can help flush out mucus and bacteria.
  • If you suffer from xerostomia (aka dry mouth), a common side effect of medications, consider investing in products specifically formulated to relieve dry mouth such as saliva stimulating tablets, lozenges and sprays.

Still suffering from halitosis? Request an appointment to cure your bad breath problem by calling 1-510.848.0114. I am happy to provide free phone consultations as well.
About the Author: Dr. Anthony Dailley has been practicing dentistry since 1981 and specializes in bad breath treatment . He has a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology from San Francisco State University and a dental degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr Dailley founded the Center for Breath Treatment in the bay area and currently conducts research on curing halitosis at the California Pacific Lab facility in Novato California.

17 comments. Leave new

For severe bad breath known as halitosis, it is essential for the patient to visit his dentist as soon as possible. This can be a sign of impending medical condition that needs immediate solution. Decrease fluid intake can contribute to bad breath therefore it's a good practice to drink plenty of water.

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Bad breath and finding a Bad Breath Cure can be be hard but with the right advice you can find a halitosis cure.

Halitosis can be prevented only if you have taken extra care to your dental system. A simple dental caries can give you a bad breath. Don't take it for granted to prevent developing a more serious dental problem. dc cosmetic dentist

I think prevention is better than cure. But on worst scenarios, I think it's really best to visit Orange County dentist and look for a bad breath doctor. It's something that should not be ashamed of.

It's a very sensible post since a lot of people are shy to go to Concord NC dentist and consult about their bad breath. I agree that alcohol-based mouthwash does makes bad breath worst.

Hillary Felt
April 18, 2012 2:19 am

A las vegas dentist told me and my husband that hubby had chronic halitosis after we went in for our yearly dental check-up. Our dentist only recommended a chlorine dioxide mouth wash and the Hydro Floss Oral Irrigator for products and of course their cleaning service.

Selena Mcbride
April 18, 2012 6:57 pm

Halitosis needs an assistance for a specialized physicians. All I know is, it is hard to cure and it is really needs a proper medication.

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Brooke Knightley
April 20, 2012 2:50 am

These are great tips because some people these days don't mind if they have bad breath. It's also important to bring breath strips all the time to avoid halitosis.

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Blake Anderson
April 20, 2012 6:13 am

The tips you mentioned are very helpful. I just want to add that there are professional dentists around who treats halitosis. On serious cases, it's better to seek their help.

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daniellaprice30
April 24, 2012 6:10 am

My dentist in Huntersville NC advised me to drink plenty of water to avoid bad breath. It's very important to maintain a good oral hygiene too to prevent halitosis.

Bad breath may cause by a poor oral hygiene. It's vital to maintain a good oral hygiene for maintaining one's overall health. When brushing and flossing, proper technique is key so as to prevent bad breath.

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Bad breath is a serious problem, it can affect your confidence and your relationship with people.

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I totally agree with the comment above me. Halitosis may cause by a poor oral hygiene. So better take your daily hygiene to avoid halitosis.

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Simplest way to treat bad breath is to brush your tongue with your toothbrush after you brush your teeth. Or, for a more effective scrubbing, use a tongue cleaner. denture repair

Halitosis or bad breath can sometimes be treated by simply practicing a good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal will be a good start.
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It's really important to visit your dentist regularly. My dentists in melbourne taught me the right treatment for this kind of condition that's why I avoided this health problem.

Bad breath and finding a Bad Breath Cure can be be hard but with the right advice you can find a Bad Breath Cure.