Halitosis or bad breath can be caused by several conditions and factors.
These include: oral infections and abscesses, dental decay, gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), dry mouth (xerostomia), post nasal drips and sinus infections, or poor oral hygiene, to name a few.
Finding a permanent halitosis cure relies on the successful identification of ALL contributing factors, or bad breath will never be completely eliminated.
While it is very important that the main cause is identified first, it is equally important that other possible secondary halitosis causes are also examined.
What most halitosis sufferers do not know is that it is very likely that their bad breath problem is, in fact, due to multiple contributing factors.
Being able to identify all the factors that are contributing to the bad breath problem is crucial if any successful outcome - that is, a permanent halitosis cure - is to be achieved.
On the other hand, it is a very interesting fact that, for a significant percentage of cases, it turns out that paying a few visits to the dentist and the dental hygienist will sort out the problem.
In any case, this should be a first step for all halitosis sufferers.
Indeed, for the vast majority of individuals, getting treatment for periodontal disease or to clear any existing infections - in addition to having a thorough clean performed by a qualified dental hygienist - will provide the basis so that a durable halitosis cure can eventually be found.
Still, many fail to appreciate how important this is and will continue using bad breath remedies such as mints, chewing gums, gels mouthwashes or mouth sprays, in the hope that this will somehow help.
While these products are actually designed to help minimise halitosis, they cannot provide any lasting solution.
And the simple reason is that the main causes of bad breath still need to be addressed.
Mouthwashes, gums, mints, gels or sprays will only work if all halitosis causes are being looked at and appropriate action is taken to make sure all underlying factors are being dealt with.
As mentioned above, oral infections of any degree, be them mild or severe will usually be present (and these include gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis).
But there are numerous other factors or conditions that can contribute to a halitosis problem and make it worse.
For instance, a tendency to get a dry mouth can make halitosis even worse.
Another example is post nasal drip, which is usually caused by sinus infections, sinus congestion or certain allergies.
Post nasal drip can create a layer of mucous at the back of the tongue and throat.
Bacteria love that kind of environment, and hence there is a much higher risk of bad breath.
There are many ways to treat halitosis at home, once all possible halitosis causes have been identified, once infections have been eliminated (or treated regularly) by a professional.
For example, numerous studies have shown evidence that daily use of an oral irrigation system improves oral health.
They remove plaque and bacteria in areas that tooth brushing and flossing alone cannot reach.
Other products that have been shown to be effective include sinus irrigators, certain dry mouth gels or mouthwashes and xylitol mints or xylitol chewing gums.
Regular use of these products can be extremely helpful, as long as infections are kept at bay by paying regular visits to the dentist and periodontist.
Following a scientific approach to identify each of all the halitosis causes that may apply is the only way that will guarantee the best possible outcome.
Examining each of the contributing factors individually, followed by appropriate treatment while using the best available products will gradually minimise all the symptoms so that, eventually, a permanent halitosis cure can be found.