What are Different Treatments for Halitosis?

Treatments for halitosis often vary based on the actual cause of the disorder. There are many different reasons for people to develop bad breath, and in most cases, treatments will revolve around getting rid of a particular cause. Some of the more common treatments for halitosis include the practice of good oral hygiene, eating less spicy food, and using mouthwash. In some cases, halitosis can be caused by more serious medical issues like infections, and these may require other treatment measures, including antibiotics.

The main cause of halitosis is bacteria and rot in a person's mouth. Usually, this happens when food gets trapped in an individual’s teeth. The food begins to actually decompose and bacteria feed on it. Decomposing food that is trapped in the teeth releases foul-smelling gasses that come out when a person exhales or speaks. The severity will usually depend on the kinds of foods the person has eaten and the degree of his hygiene problem.

Dealing with halitosis based on hygiene is usually a simple process of diligently flossing and brushing the teeth. Many experts also recommend that people spend some time brushing their tongues as well, because bacteria can also accumulate there. Scented mouthwash can potentially be one of the better temporary treatments for halitosis, and it is often included in many basic oral hygiene routines. There are also some special mouthwashes with strong antibacterial properties, and these can be helpful in dealing with the source of the problem.

Another major cause of halitosis is eating particularly spicy foods. Changing the diet can be one of the easier treatments for halitosis in these cases, but this is usually a periodic problem, and many people love to eat foods like garlic and onions. Some people simply avoid eating the wrong foods in situations where they may need to be self-conscious about their breath smell.

Certain infections can be a potential cause of halitosis, and so can certain chronic physical conditions like malnutrition or dry mouth. In these situations, the right treatments for halitosis might be more elaborate. For example, a person may develop a bacterial throat infection, and the tissue in the throat will produce an unpleasant odor in the mouth. The only way to deal with that sort of halitosis would generally be a round of antibiotics or simply waiting for the body’s immune system to defeat the bacteria. Scented mouthwashes can also be helpful.