When bad breath doesn’t go away even though you brush well, what you need isn’t another piece of gum but a diagnosis and halitosis treatment at the clinic. Halitosis affects confidence and social relationships, but in most cases it starts in the mouth and is completely treatable. At Acosta Cubero Dental Clinic in Vélez-Málaga, we see patients from Torre del Mar and across the Axarquía: we find the source of the odour, treat it in the surgery and support you until your breath is fresh again. Here’s how the process works, step by step. 👇
What causes bad breath (halitosis)? 🤔
Although bad breath has various causes, the vast majority (around 90%) start in the mouth. The main culprits are usually bacteria:
- Poor oral hygiene: this is the most common cause. When food particles and plaque aren’t properly removed by brushing and flossing, the bacteria in the mouth break them down, releasing volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs), which are responsible for the unpleasant smell. 🦠
- Gum disease: gingivitis and especially periodontitis (advanced gum disease) cause bacteria to build up below the gum line, producing VSCs and causing persistent bad breath. If your gums bleed, that’s a warning sign! 🩸
- Coated tongue: the rough surface of the tongue is an ideal place for bacteria and food debris to collect, forming a whitish or yellowish coating. Cleaning your tongue is just as important as brushing your teeth.
- Dry mouth (xerostomia): saliva helps clean the mouth and neutralise acids. Not producing enough saliva (because of medication, health problems or mouth breathing) can cause bad breath. 🌬️
- Tooth decay and faulty restorations: untreated cavities and leaking fillings or crowns can trap food and bacteria, creating a bad smell.
- Mouth infections: abscesses, sores or infections in the mouth can be a source of bad breath.
Other causes (less common, not originating in the mouth):
- Respiratory problems: sinus infections, tonsillitis.
- Digestive problems: gastro-oesophageal reflux.
- Systemic diseases: uncontrolled diabetes, liver or kidney disease.
- Food: eating garlic, onion or certain spices.
How we diagnose halitosis at the clinic 🩺
At Acosta Cubero Dental Clinic, our first step in tackling bad breath is a thorough diagnosis. Identifying the underlying cause is essential to apply the most effective dental treatment. Our approach includes:
- Medical and dental history: we’ll ask about your habits, medication and any symptoms.
- Full oral examination: we’ll check your teeth, gums, tongue and mucous membranes for decay, gum disease, infections or any other abnormality.
- Tongue assessment: we’ll look for any whitish or yellowish coating.
- Referral, if needed: if your bad breath doesn’t originate in the mouth, we’ll refer you to the appropriate medical specialist for further assessment.
Halitosis treatment at the clinic, step by step ✨
Once the cause has been identified, professional halitosis treatment focuses on removing it directly in the surgery:
- Intensive professional oral hygiene:
- Professional dental cleaning: this is the essential starting point. We remove the plaque and tartar built up on your teeth and below the gums, which are the main source of odour-causing bacteria.
- Treatment of gum disease: if you have gingivitis or periodontitis, we’ll treat these infections with scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to restore the health of your gums.
- Personalised oral hygiene instructions: we’ll show you the right brushing techniques, how to floss and, crucially, how to clean your tongue (with a tongue scraper) to remove the bacteria that build up on it.
- Treating decay and restorations: if your bad breath comes from cavities or faulty fillings, we’ll treat them to remove the sources of infection.
- Managing dry mouth: if dryness is the cause, we’ll give you tips to stimulate saliva or recommend specific products (saliva substitutes, moisturising gels).
- Product recommendations: we may suggest specific alcohol-free mouthwashes to control bacteria, toothpastes or sprays.
Tips for keeping your breath fresh every day 😊
Treatment at the clinic works best alongside good habits: brushing, flossing, tongue cleaning and staying hydrated. We’ve gathered them in our guide to bad breath remedies and prevention at home. And if you’ve already tried gum and mouthwash without success, we explain why persistent bad breath doesn’t go away with chewing gum or mouthwash.
Afterwards, regular check-ups and professional dental cleanings are the best way to keep halitosis from coming back.
When should you book an appointment for halitosis? 📅
- Your bad breath persists even though you brush thoroughly and clean your tongue.
- Your gums bleed when you brush or you have a constant bad taste in your mouth.
- Your mouth often feels dry or you take medication that reduces saliva.
- Someone close to you has mentioned it, or you avoid talking to people up close.
Get your confidence back and smile without worry in Vélez-Málaga! 💖
Bad breath is a problem with a solution. At Acosta Cubero Dental Clinic in Vélez-Málaga, we’re committed to helping you identify and treat the cause of your halitosis, so you can enjoy fresh breath and a healthy smile. Don’t let this problem affect your life. Get in touch with us today and book your assessment appointment! We’re ready to look after you. ✨
