Halitosis treatment

Most causes of halitosis are oral in origin. We must first evaluate and treat the possible causes in the oral cavity. If we do not obtain the expected results, we will look for other causes and apply the corresponding treatments.

• Oral hygiene

Oral hygiene, in the treatment of halitosis, focuses on the reduction of microorganisms in the oral cavity. Disinfection should be done in all areas of the mouth, teeth, gums, tongue and oral mucosa. This reduction of microorganisms in the oral cavity can be carried out by mechanical or chemical methods.

Mechanical methods

They range from tooth brushing, the removal of bacterial plaque and tongue brushing, in addition to cleaning removable dentures in those who use them.

Brushing, it is advisable to brush your teeth after each main meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner).

Floss

The use of dental floss prevents the formation of bacterial plaque on the surface of the teeth and removes the food debris deposited interdentally and between the tooth and the gum. The use of dental floss and an interdental brushing after each meal is an ideal treatment, and if it is applied at least twice a day, it prevents the formation of bacterial plaque. If the gum bleeds when flossing, there may be periodontal disease, which is one of the causes of bad breath.

Removable prostheses (removable). If proper hygiene of the prostheses is not carried out, the bacterial proliferation in them is favored. It is recommended to clean it with a toothbrush after each meal and with the products recommended in each case once a day.

Tongue cleaning

Cleaning the tongue is a fundamental element in oral hygiene. The reinforcement of health education in the need to make this effort is essential. The tongue is the major source of halitosis. The removal of debris from the surface layer of the tongue significantly reduces the production of volatile sulfuric compounds that cause foul odors, both in healthy people and in those suffering from periodontal disease.

Tongue hygiene is simple and can be done with a tongue cleaner or a toothbrush. Brushing will be done gently so as not to cause injury, as the tongue is a very sensitive organ. It is advisable to do it after each main meal and in the following way: The tongue is drawn out and swept from the inside out, washing the instrument with plenty of water before passing it on again and repeating the operation several times.

Once these mechanical methods are applied, if halitosis still persists, we will combine them with chemical treatments.

Chemical control methods of halitosis

Oral mouthwashes can be a good complement to oral hygiene. Some oral mouthwashes contain alcohol which can have an adverse effect by secondary irritation of the oral mucosa and dry mouth. Mouthwashes that add antibacterial agents such as triclosan, zinc chloride, or chlorhexidine are recommended. It has been observed that through the continuous use of chlorhexidine for 6 months there is a 50% reduction in the aerobic and anaerobic flora directly responsible for halitosis. The use of mouthwashes should be controlled by a dentist since they can produce, like chlorhexidine, dental stains. The use of mouthwashes should be restricted by prescription.

• Dental treatment

If the cause is due to a dental pathology such as caries or periapical abscess, the corresponding filling or filling treatment should be applied. In the case of periapical abscess due to advanced caries, endodontics should be performed with or without intercurrent treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Periodontal disease will be treated with oral cleanings, curettage and surgical techniques, if it ends up being necessary. These treatments can lead to the elimination of bad breath as a symptom of these pathologies.

Fillings or fillings with contour defects must be replaced, as well as defective fixed or removable prostheses.

• Medical treatment

Bad breath can be a symptom of extraoral pathologies in 10% of cases such as: sinusitis, upper respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis, gastric disorders, liver or kidney disease and diabetes, among others. It is important to take this possibility into account, if an oral cause of bad breath cannot be found. There are drugs such as antidepressants and antihistamines that affect the production of saliva that can consequently facilitate the appearance of halitosis. The most appropriate treatment is to counteract the side effects produced by drinking plenty of fluids and stimulating the production of saliva with xylitol chili peppers, for example.

Habits

The elimination of tobacco, coffee and alcoholic beverages contribute to the treatment of halitosis.