We have all suffered from bad breath at one time or another in our lives.  Either in the morning when we get up or after meal loaded with garlic, onions or spices.  We have used many remedies from gum to mouth rinses to eliminate this mal odor.   There are two types of bad breath.

·        Transitory:

This bad breath is normally caused by foods such as onions or garlic and smoking.  Food based odors are normally eliminated in 24-72 hours.    Smoker’s Breath is a little more difficult to eliminate because of the tars and many other noxious chemicals found in cigar, cigarette, and pipe smoke.   These chemical compounds, coat the tongue, cheeks, and teeth and cause an increase in the bacteria level in one’s mouth.  Mechanical cleansing of the oral surfaces with toothbrushes, mouth rinses and tongue scrapers will eliminate such odors.   And of course, quitting smoking.

·        Chronic :

  Over 50 million Americans suffer from chronic bad breath or Halitosis.  These individuals are seldom aware of their problem because our nose adjusts to continued odors no matter how offensive they may be. The bacteria in the mouth and the volatile sulfur compounds they produce, i.e. “the rotten egg smell”, cause the odor from Halitosis.    The cause of chronic bad breath may be an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or periodontal disease.  By treating these problems, the mal odor is normally eliminated.   Unfortunately, 90 % of chronic bad breath cannot be eliminated.  However, your dentist through proper diagnosis can help you effectively manage your mal odor problem.  This management will consist of mouth rinses, toothpaste's, tongue scrapers and more frequent dental visits.