Bad breath or halitosis

The main symptom of halitosis is persistent bad breath despite brushing your teeth.

However, some people don’t realise they have bad breath because their sense of smell is used to it.

There are many causes of halitosis. Among the most common are :

• regular consumption of certain foods;
• poor oral hygiene;
• an oral infection;
• dry mouth;
• alcohol consumption;
• smoking;
• hormonal variations.

A common misconception is that breath odours reflect the state of digestion and intestinal function: this is not the case, as the oesophagus is closed.

Certain pathologies can also be responsible for halitosis. These include diabetic ketoacidosis, liver failure, kidney failure and certain cancers.

To deal effectively with bad breath, the cause needs to be clearly identified. Treatment can therefore focus on improving tooth brushing and flossing, or on deeper causes.

The treatment of halitosis depends primarily on good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

In the case of halitosis attributable to one of the above causes, treating the infection or eliminating certain practices (smoking, alcohol) can reduce or eliminate bad breath.

In the case of halitosis caused by bacterial infection of the gums, periodontal disease needs to be treated.

The first step is to carry out a periodontal check-up to assess your periodontal health. This is carried out as follows:

• An interview to find out about your history, habits and risk factors;
• Aesthetic and functional oral and gum clinical examination;
• Microscopic examination of dental plaque, which will be examined and interpreted immediately to identify any pathogenic bacteria likely to be involved in halitosis;
• A report will be sent to you within a few days, giving you information about the treatment and its cost.

Halitosis is often attributable to low-level periodontal disease, particularly periodontitis. It is therefore necessary to treat these conditions to get rid of bad breath.

Treatment is more or less effective depending on the cause of halitosis. Good oral hygiene helps to limit the occurrence of bad breath, and regular monitoring helps to keep it under control by ensuring that the periodontal system remains healthy.

We welcome you to take full responsibility for identifying the causes and treatments of halitosis. Our expertise in exclusive periodontics guarantees you a reliable diagnosis and effective treatment, implemented by our dental surgeons.

The price set by your dental surgeon depends on the condition or habits causing the halitosis. This price will be communicated to you after an initial consultation.