Halitosis Treatment

What is Halitosis?

Halitosis is a condition that can be so unpleasant that it can negatively affect a person's social life. However, the source of all bad breath may not be in the mouth, so it is important to determine the source of the odor before starting treatment.

Causes and Types of Halitosis

Type 1 and Type 2 Halitosis:

Source: Tongue surface.
Causes: Bacterial sources in the mouth, throat or nose accumulate on the surface of the tongue, forming foul-smelling gases.
Treatment: Regular brushing of the tongue and removal of the bacteria source by a dentist or ENT specialist.
Type 3 Halitosis:

Source: Digestive tract.
Causes: Gases from the stomach rise into the mouth. This is usually the result of indigestible food being fermented by bacteria in the intestine. Parasites, bad eating habits, gastritis and reflux are among the causes of this type of odor.
Treatment: It should be performed by a gastroenterologist.
Type 4 Halitosis:

Source: Lung.
Causes: Infections in the lungs (pneumonia, bronchitis) or chemical changes in blood gases. Diabetes, dialysis, coming out of narcosis may also cause this type of odor.
Treatment: Treatment of lung infections or regulation of blood gases is necessary.
Type 5 halitosis:

Source: Psychogenic.
Causes: The individual develops a false perception that they have bad breath. This type of odor is purely psychological and the individual feels ostracized by society.
Treatment: Psychological support and counseling.
Treatment of Bad Breath

Brushing the Tongue Bacteria on the tongue are one of the main sources of bad breath. Therefore, it is important to brush the tongue regularly.
Proper Nutrition: In order to prevent bad breath caused by the digestive system, it is necessary to regulate eating habits.
Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing of teeth, flossing and the use of antibacterial mouthwashes can reduce bad breath.
Smoking Cessation: Smoking does not cause bad breath, cigarettes do, but quitting smoking is beneficial for overall oral health.
Products with Zinc: Gum and toothpastes with zinc can be effective in reducing bad breath.
Alcohol Free Mouthwashes: Alcoholic mouthwashes can cause dry mouth and increase bad breath. Alcohol-free mouthwashes should be preferred.
Unknowns About Bad Breath

Cigarettes: Cigarettes cause bad breath, not bad breath.
Chewing gum: Most chewing gum can cause bad breath, but chewing gum with zinc reduces it.
Mouthwashes: Alcoholic mouthwashes cause bad breath, alcohol-free ones should be preferred.
Toothpastes: Due to their basic nature, toothpastes are ineffective in preventing bad breath, but zinc toothpastes are more effective.
Herbal Medicines: Do not trigger bad breath.
Eliminating bad breath completely usually requires treatment to address the cause of the odor. With the right diagnosis and treatment, bad breath can be greatly improved.