How to Treat Halitosis

Bad breath is irritating and embarrassing. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, or halitosis, it is important to seek treatment.

To banish bad breath, the underlying cause must be found. Your doctor must rule out any other conditions which could be responsible for bad breath.

A respiratory infection, diabetes, a gastrointestinal disorder, or a liver or kidney disorder could be affecting your breath. Once any underlying medical condition has been dismissed, focus on improving dental hygiene. Brush teeth consistently, floss, and regularly schedule trips to the dentist. In addition, some dental hygienists recommend brushing your tongue or using tongue scrapers to get rid of trapped bacteria that can contribute to bad breath.

In smokers, a vitamin C deficiency can also play a role in bad breath. The nicotine found in cigarettes destroys health-promoting vitamin C. Smokers experiencing halitosis should replace any lost vitamin C with dietary supplements.

Dry mouth is another factor that can lead to bad breath. Keep the mouth moist all day by drinking water or chewing gum, which stimulates the production of saliva. Mouthwash especially designed to combat dry-mouth is also widely available.

If these suggestions do not help to cure bad breath, see your doctor for further counseling.

For more information on halitosis, see below:

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Halitosis: How Your Diet Plays a Role

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