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Examination, Classification, and Treatment of Halitosis

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Dr. Sonia Olivares
Examination, Classification, and Treatment of Halitosis

It is estimated that 1 in 4 people have regular bad breathHalitosis, or bad breath, is the third most common reason that people seek dental care, after tooth decay and gum disease.

Classification of Halitosis

1. Genuine Halitosis
  • Obvious malodor with an intensity beyond a socially acceptable level
  • Sub-classified into physiologic halitosis and pathologic halitosis. Pathologic halitosis is subdivided into oral and extraoral halitosis.

2. Pseudo Halitosis
  • Condition in which a patient believes he or she is suffering from halitosis in the absence of any objective offensive odor

3. Halitophobia
  • Also known as 'delusional halitosis'
  • Patients who have halitophobia assume they have halitosis, when in fact they do not
  • A person suffering from halitophobia uses various techniques to battle phobia; some can be attributed to obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms.
  • Dentists calculate 25% of patients who consulted them for halitosis are afflicted with delusional halitosis.

Aetiologic Classification

This system allows for multiple diagnoses in the same patient, represents the most accurate model to understand halitosis, and forms an efficient and logical basis for the clinical management of the complaint.

Newly proposed aetiologic classification divides pathologic halitosis into: 
  • Type 1 (oral)
  • Type 2 (airway)
  • Type 3 (gastroesophageal)
  • Type 4 (blood-borne)
  • Type 5 (subjective)
Generally, any halitosis complaint is potentially the sum or combination of these classifications.

 

Halitosis Examination

  • Oral malodor is measured using an organoleptic measurement or a gas chromatography analysis. 
  • Organoleptic measurement is the most practical procedure with which one can evaluate oral malodor. 
  • Gas chromatography (GC) analysis using a flame photometric detector is the gold standard for measuring oral malodor, owing to its reputation for its objectivity and re-producibility.
  • GC is specific for volatile sulphur compounds (VSC), which are the main causes of oral malodor. There is a high correlation between the intensity of oral malodor and the VSC concentration as measured by GC.

Halitosis Treatment

To reduce bad breath, avoid cavities and decrease the risk of gum disease, proper oral hygiene is crucial. Further treatment for halitosis can vary, depending on its cause.

 

  • Mouth rinses and toothpaste. If bad breath is due to a buildup of bacteria (plaque) on teeth, your dentist may recommend a bacteria killing mouth rinse and an antibacterial toothpaste.
  • Treatment of dental disease. Patients with gum disease may be referred to a gum specialist (periodontist). Gum disease can cause gums to pull away from teeth, leaving deep pockets that fill with odor-causing bacteria. Typically only professional cleaning removes these bacteria. 
  • Brush your teeth after eating. Brush using a fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day, especially after meals. Toothpaste with antibacterial properties has been shown to reduce bad breath odors. Keep a toothbrush at work to use after eating.
  • Floss at least once a day. Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque from between teeth, helping to control bad breath.
  • Brush your tongue. Tongues harbor bacteria, so carefully brushing it may reduce odors. People who have a coated tongue from significant bacteria overgrowth benefit from using a tongue scraper.
  • Clean dentures or dental appliances. If you wear a bridge or a denture, clean it thoroughly at least once per day or as directed by your dentist. If you have a dental retainer or mouth guard, clean it before you put it in your mouth each time. 
  • Avoid a dry mouth. To keep a moist mouth, avoid tobacco and drink plenty of water — not coffee, soft drinks, or alcohol, which can lead to an even drier mouth. Chew gum or suck on sugar-free candy to stimulate saliva. 
  • Schedule regular dental checkups. Visit the dentist on a regular basis, generally twice a year, for an examination and teeth cleaning.

iSmile by Dr. Sonia Olivares' Halitosis Treatment

Many Halitosis sufferers never seek treatment due to embarrassment, a commonality with several oral hygiene issues. iSmile by Dr. Sonia Olivares takes customer satisfaction and privacy seriously.

Dr. Sonia Olivares is one of the few Miami dentists who specialize in treating Halitosis. By thoroughly cleaning your mouth, discovering oral health issues, and determining treatment options, Dr. Sonia Olivares can cure your halitosis.
 
  • Initial consultation
  • Questionnaire
  • X-Rays
  • Breath Test including the use of a halimeter to determine how mild or severe your case
  • Collection of Saliva Sample to be sent to a lab to determine the specific bacteria causing Halitosis
  • Discussion of Treatment Options
  • Treatment

Miami, Florida's Most Trusted Dentist | iSmile by Dr. Sonia Olivares

Don’t suffer any longer! Discover Miami's leading Halitosis Treatment by award-winning cosmetic dentist Dr. Sonia Olivares. Dr. Olivares and her team offer flexible payment options and convenient payment plans.

Schedule an online consultation or call iSmile by Dr. Sonia Olivares at 305-620-8272 today! 
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