90% of bad breath (halitosis) originates in the mouth. The most common causes are gum disease, untreated tooth decay, bacteria on the tongue, poor oral hygiene and old fillings and dentures that no longer fit well. The lasting solution is not to mask the odor but to treat its source; the first step of treatment is professional scaling.
- Bad breath caused by the gums may require curettage and gum treatment.
- Active cavities are restored with fillings or root canal treatment.
- Cleaning the tongue reduces the bacterial load.
- Brushing twice a day and flossing are recommended.
- Drinking plenty of water helps prevent odor caused by dry mouth.
Bad breath is a condition that affects a large proportion of adults worldwide; sometimes it is merely a hygiene problem, and sometimes it is a sign of serious dental disease. It is possible to get rid of this problem, which can make you hold back in social settings, with professional treatment methods.
What Causes Bad Breath?
90% of bad breath is caused by factors originating in the mouth. The most common causes are:
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Gum Diseases: Inflamed gums and deepened gum pockets create an ideal environment for bacteria to build up, causing odor.
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Tooth Decay: Untreated deep cavities lead to food debris collecting and odor-producing bacteria multiplying.
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Bacteria on the Tongue: The rough surface of the tongue is an ideal hiding place for odor-causing bacteria.
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Poor Oral Hygiene: Not flossing and not brushing regularly are the primary causes of bad breath.
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Old Dentures and Fillings: Food debris that seeps under fillings or crowns that have worn or no longer fit properly can cause odor.
How Is Bad Breath Treated?
The way to get rid of bad breath is not to mask the odor with sprays but to eliminate its source.
1. Professional Scaling (Tartar Removal)
Hardened tartar in areas the toothbrush cannot reach is removed with professional equipment. This is the first and most important step in treating bad breath.
2. Curettage and Gum Treatment
If the odor is caused by gum inflammation, deep cleaning of the gum pockets (curettage) may be needed. Healthy gums reduce bad breath by 80%.
3. Restoring Decayed Teeth
Active cavities causing odor are cleaned and restored with fillings or root canal treatment. Old, leaking crowns are replaced.
4. Tongue Cleaning Training
In addition to brushing, we teach our patients how to use tongue scrapers, reducing the bacterial load.
Say Hello to Fresh Breath with Optimadent
Bad breath is not your destiny. At Optimadent Dental Polyclinic in Üsküdar, we identify the source of bad breath with our modern diagnostic methods. Thanks to personalized treatment plans carried out by our expert dentists, we help you carry on with your social life with confidence.
3 Golden Rules for Preventing Bad Breath
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Brush Twice a Day and Floss: Cleaning between your teeth with floss is the most effective way to prevent bad breath.
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Don’t Forget to Brush Your Tongue: Most bacteria gather on the back of the tongue.
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Drink Plenty of Water: Dry mouth triggers odor. Drinking water is critical to keep saliva flowing.
Book an Appointment Now: To get rid of your bad breath for good, you can have a free examination at our center in Üsküdar.
For your questions and appointment requests, you can contact us.
