Bad breath (Halitosis) Update: A Review of Causes, Diagnoses and Treatments

We all dread having bad breath (halitosis), yet it can happen to anyone, according to Dr. Sibuti Riro, a practicing Periodontist (gum specialist) at Supreme Smiles Avenue Dental Clinic in Kilimani.

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, refers to offensive breath odor with intensity beyond socially acceptable levels. Halitosis, if is not timely managed, it can have a significant impact on a person's social and professional life leading to complete loss of confidence and self-esteem.

Part of the problem is knowing that you have bad breath, because it's typically challenging to pick up on one's own scent. And family members, close friends and colleagues may feel uncomfortable telling you.

Dr. Sibuti Riro proposes these tips on how one can determine if they have bad breath:

1. Lick the back of your hand, let it dry for 5-10 seconds, then smell it or run a piece of dental floss between your back teeth and smell the floss.

2. Stand in front of the mirror and stick your tongue out as far as possible. If the very back of the tongue is whitish, it may be a sign that you have bad breath.

3. "Cotton test." Wipe the top surface of your tongue with a piece of cotton gauze and smell it.

The best way to truly identify the source of chronic bad breath is visit a dentist for a professional diagnosis. A dentist can check for gum disease, which the main cause of bad breath.

Causes of Halitosis (bad breath):

Halitosis is not infectious, but is majorly caused by sulphur-producing bacteria that normally live on the surface of the tongue, gums and in the throat. These bacteria break down proteins at a very high rate and volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) are released as by products. It is these by products that are responsible in causing the foul smell that often emanate from one’s mouth.

Dental diseases such as periodontitis (infection around the teeth), dental decay or poor oral Hygiene favors the growth of sulphur-producing bacteria that break down proteins in our mouth producing the smelly VSC.

Periodontal disease (periodontitis)

Dental decay/ dental caries

Dry mouth – caused by medicines, alcohol, stress or a medical condition

Smoking – Which starves the mouth of oxygen?

Treatment and Management of Halitosis

Effective management and treatment requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes. This involves a careful identification of the possible cause of bad breath, and this can effectively be done by a dentist with further training in the field of periodontology (gum specialist).

However, most people can reduce or eliminate bad breath by committing to the basics of good dental hygiene. Visit a dentist at least twice a year.

Dr Sibuti Riro proposes the below tips to prevent bad breath

1. Effective tooth brushing

Brush twice a day at a 45-degree angle to your gums. It is recommended that one brushes their teeth at least twice in a day for two minutes. Aspire to reach each and every surface of each tooth.

2. Dental flossing

Floss regularly, at least once a day. Tooth brushing alone, may not be effective for the cleaning in between surfaces of the teeth. That is why dentists recommend flossing daily. Dental floss, aid in removing trapped food particles and bacteria between the teeth.

3. Tongue cleaning

Tongue scrapers have been produced in recent years. The tongue should be brushed in a gentle but thorough manner, from the back towards the front of the tongue, keeping in mind that the hardest to reach back portion smells the worst.

4. A visit to the dentist

It is always the best idea to visit a dentist whenever one feels like they have bad breath or have received complaints from colleagues and friends. The dentist will identify the cause and develop a treatment plan that will aid in resolving the problem. For bad breath, one may need deep scaling (Subgingival scaling and root planning) and polishing a procedure that is best done by a gum specialist.