Treatments for halitosis could be as varied as the
causes. In spite of a lot of study and research halitosis and all its causes
have not been fully understood or labeled treatable. Transient bad breath due to
eating certain foods like garlic and onion, hunger, stress etc can be more
effectively treated than chronic bad breath. Chronic bad breath could be a sign
of long standing medical conditions of the intestines, respiratory tract,
bloodstream etc or a result of poor oral hygiene leading to gum diseases like
periodontis as well as due to smoking and tobacco usage. Dry mouth condition
known as xerostomia is another major contributor to halitosis.
Odor causing anaerobic bacteria which are the primary cause of bad breath thrive
in conditions poorly oxygenated, acidic environments. This could be remedied by
using a hydrogen peroxide and water mix as a mouthwash to increase oxygen and
using baking soda with salt as toothpaste to reduce acidity.
Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC’s) made by anaerobic bacteria can be neutralized
to an extent by using toothpastes containing agents such as zinc or chlorine
dioxide. Certain toothpastes containing agents such as cetylpyridinium also have
antibacterial properties which kill odor causing bacteria on the tongue.
Many over-the-counter mouthwashes can be used to treat halitosis. Some of them
are mouthwashes which contain a combination of the following agents.
• Mouthwashes which contain chlorine dioxide which releases oxygen and reduces
the count of the anaerobic bacteria thriving in poorly oxygenated conditions. It
also reduces the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds in the mouth making
the breath fresher.
• Mouthwashes containing zinc ions which help in reducing the concentration of
volatile sulfur compounds in a person’s breath.
• Antiseptic mouthwashes like Listerine are supposed to kill anaerobic bacteria
without having a direct effect on VSC’s. Antiseptic mouthwashes have a high
concentration on alcohol which cause a drying effect on the mouth aggrevated
conditions causing bad breath and hence not advisable according to many
dentists.
• Mouthwashes containing cetlyperadium chloride which is antibacterial and helps
in controlling anaerobic bacteria in a person’s mouth.
