How Should I Handle Chronic Bad Breath or Halitosis?

Chronic bad breath and halitosis

Whether it’s just before a first kiss or after a meal that unexpectedly included garlic and onions, almost everyone has worried about having bad breath at some point in their lives. More than half of the population struggles to maintain fresh breath throughout their day, using temporary fixes such as mints or gum. Unfortunately, one-fourth of all people are persistently plagued with chronic halitosis, also known as ever-present bad breath. When the condition escalates to this point, the result can be a person who is frustrated, embarrassed and socially unacceptable.

While it’s true that proper and consistent oral hygiene is the best prevention for halitosis, many people who suffer from chronic bad breath possess outstanding oral care habits. Most often, the likely culprit is odor-causing bacteria that live on the back of the tongue. In many cases, daily use of a tongue scraper can remove these pesky bacteria and alleviate the symptoms of chronic halitosis.

Over-the-counter breath fresheners often lack a lasting effect, and may have minimal impact on chronic halitosis. Antibacterial mouthwashes have been proven to provide relief from chronic halitosis in many people, but be sure to choose a brand without alcohol, which can dry the mouth and exacerbate the condition. Certain premium mouthwashes are known to neutralize the volatile sulfur compounds that cause chronic bad breath, and these may be helpful in treating chronic halitosis. Typically, these specialized mouthwashes are only available via internet or mail order, and the slightly higher price is certainly worth it to the person whose life is affected by chronic bad breath.

If chronic bad breath persists despite these suggested treatments, it could be an indication of periodontal disease or some form of systemic disorder. Seek evaluation from a medical professional to determine the true source of your chronic bad breath. For a complete selection of treatments for chronic halitosis, feel free to browse Dr. Katz’s line of fresh breath products, including specialized mouthwashes and rinses, toothpaste, tooth gels, mints, gum, sprays, drops and more.