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Among the wide number of adults with bad breath, the greater majority present oral causes. For this reason, it becomes the responsibility of the dentist to diagnose and treat these individuals.
Many commercial products are aimed at simply trying to control halitosis by masking it with minty or fruity scents. Mint sweets, chewing gum and most mouthwashes are not powerful enough on their own to combat the foul-smelling VSC.
In the past, bad breath was often considered to be an incurable affliction. However, in recent years, it has become increasingly the case that bad breath is usually treatable once a correct diagnosis is made.
If the back of the tongue is the problem, then the dentist can recommend a method of cleaning the area, either with a toothbrush or a specially designed tongue scraper. Care should be taken to clean the back of the tongue thoroughly yet gently without inflicting pain or causing sores.
Your dentist may recommend dental treatment, if there are other areas such as cavities in which bacteria and food can become trapped and cause odour.
Experts agree that antibiotics are not the answer. The bacteria involved in this problem are not infectious, and are actually beneficial, assisting with digestion.
Using antibiotics specifically targeted for this group will only temporarily solve the problem for about two days, after which more resistant strains will invade and the halitosis will return.
If you use antibiotics for bad breath and sour tastes, you should be aware that you might end up with an oral yeast infection (thrush). Yeast infections can result from any antibiotic therapy, not just those used for halitosis. Yeast infection can itself also cause halitosis.
Of course, certain circumstances will require the help of antibiotics (e.g. certain periodontal diseases or tonsillitis), and medication can be given to prevent most thrush infections associated with antibiotic therapy.
In general, the most effective way to manage bad breath is by maintaining proper oral hygiene, regular dental cleanings and diligent brushing of the tongue.
Revised and reviewed by Dr Bill Evans BDS Dip Orth(Witwatersrand) - Orthodontics - South African Dental Association- Senior Specialist, Department of Orthodontics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. February 2015.
Previously reviewed by Dr Jeff Michelson, South African Dental Association
