Download Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Rochedale Dental Group

Dr Andrew Molloy B.D.Sc. (Qld)
Dr Rob Freeman B.D.Sc. (Qld)
Dr Greg Thomas B.D.Sc. (Qld)
Dr Nathan Barnes B.D.Sc. (Qld)
Dr Roslyn Dick B.D.Sc. (Qld)
Dental Surgeons
1125 Rochedale Road Rochedale
4123
Ph. 3341 4344 Fax. 33414973
E-mail: [email protected]
www.rochedaledental.com.au
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Halitosis, or bad breath is a condition experienced by many people and often goes untreated or is
accepted as normal. It is primarily related to an over abundance of sulphur-producing (rotten egg
smell) bacteria found on the tongue and throat.
Symptoms
The features of halitosis can include:
• a white/brown coating on the tongue
• dry mouth and teeth
• post nasal drip, or mucous
• morning bad breath and a burning tongue
• thick saliva and a constant need to clear your throat
• constant sour, bitter metallic taste
Major Causes of Halitosis:
dental factors – such as gum disease (periodontitis), poor oral hygiene, leaking fillings/crowns
and dental decay.
• dry mouth – caused by medicines, alcohol, stress or a medical condition
• foods high in protein, sugar or acid
• smoking – which starves the mouth of oxygen and favours bacteria growth
• nasal and sinus infections, mouth breathing
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Less Common Causes:
acid and bile reflux from the stomach
post nasal discharge – eg. Due to chronic sinusitis, tonsilitis
hormonal factors – such as menstrual cycle or pregnancy
foods – such as onions, garlic or cauliflower, which induce certain odours. These effects are
only short lived
• liver, kidney disorders
• diabetes
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90% of oral malourdour originates from the mouth and 10% originate from a non-oral cause.
G Drive: Oral Health Therapist/Patient Information Leaflets/hallitosis
Treating Halitosis
• Have regular visits to your Dentist and Oral Health Therapist – they can help keep your teeth
and gums healthy and prescribe an individual home care regime/ treatment programme
• Ensure that you are effectively brushing, flossing and tongue cleaning daily to keep your oral
hygiene at an optimal level. Any excess bacteria in between the teeth, under the gums or on
the tongue can lead to halitosis. Cleaning your tongue is best done with a tongue
cleaner...this can be purchased from our practice.
Drink plenty of water and limit your intake of dehydrating beverages such as tea, coffee, soft
drinks and alcohol.
• Make sure you are generally in good health - you may need to see your GP if you suspect you
have an untreated condition (ie: reflux, nasal infection, diabetes) that may be causing your
halitosis
• CloSYS II products (eg. Mouthrinse, toothpaste, oral spray) are chlorine dioxide based, alcohol
and sodium lauryl sulphate free and work well at eliminating the sulphur-producing bacteria.
These may be used when all other treatment measures have been tried. This product range can
be purchase from our practice.
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G Drive: Oral Health Therapist/Patient Information Leaflets/hallitosis