Halitosis (Bad Breath)

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, doesn't have to be an ongoing problem.  Cures for bad breath are usually very simple once the source of the odor is understood. Most cases of halitosis are caused by anaerobic oral bacteria that have accumulated on the sufferer's tongue and between and around the teeth. Periodontitis, a disease of the gums and bone that support the teeth, is another source of halitosis. Periodontitis is caused by inadequate brushing and flossing, which allows the irritated gums to separate from the teeth and form pockets between the gums and teeth. These open spaces fill with infection-causing bacteria that give off a foul odor. ronically, it is very difficult for a person to detect his or her own bad breath, which means it's possible for a person to have bad breath and not even know it. However, there are a couple of interesting and easy ways to detect your own breath odor. One technique to test the anterior (front) portion of your tongue for bad odors is to lick your inner wrist, wait a few seconds for the saliva to dry, and then smell your wrist.  

To test your posterior (back) tongue odor, turn a spoon upside down and scrape the very back of your tongue. Examine the material that has been scraped off—a thick, whitish substance.
Of course, the only sure way to detect bad breath is to visit us for a complete oral exam and cleaning. We'll check your gums for irritation and odor-causing bacteria that could lead to more serious problems. We utilize several professional techniques to measure and evaluate the presence and degree of halitosis so we can give you the best possible solution to your bad breath problem as well as stop potential decay and disease.