Halitosis (Bad Breath) Treatment

Common Causes of Bad Breath

• Bacteria on the back of the tongue.
• Gum disease and plaque below the gumline.
• Cavities, broken teeth or old fillings that trap food.
• Dry mouth caused by medications, mouth breathing or not drinking enough water.
• Smoking and tobacco.
• Strong foods such as garlic and onions.
• Poorly cleaned dentures.

Less often, bad breath can come from a sinus problem, tonsils or a medical condition. If we do not find a dental cause, we may suggest you see your doctor.

How We Find the Cause

We start with a conversation about your symptoms and habits and then examine your teeth, gums, tongue and any dental work. If we find gum disease, we explain your periodontal care options. If we find cavities, we treat them with fillings or other care. A professional cleaning often removes plaque and tartar that home care misses.

Treatments That Help

• Professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.
• Treatment of gum disease and cavities.
• Advice on tongue cleaning and the right toothbrush and floss.
• Tips for managing dry mouth.
• Cleaning or replacing ill-fitting dentures. See our denture care.

Everyday Habits for Fresher Breath

• Brush twice a day and floss daily.
• Gently brush or scrape your tongue.
• Drink water throughout the day.
• Avoid tobacco.
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva.
• Keep your regular dental visits.

Mouthwash and Mints

Mouthwash and mints may cover odour for a while but do not fix the cause. Alcohol-based rinses can also dry the mouth, which makes breath worse. Ask us which products are best for you.

When to See a Dentist

See us if your bad breath lasts more than a couple of weeks despite good home care, if you notice bleeding gums or a bad taste, or if you have a toothache or swelling. If you have severe pain or swelling, see our emergency dentist page.

Bad Breath in Denture Wearers

Dentures can hold bacteria and food particles, especially if they are not cleaned every day. Remove them at night, brush them with a soft brush and clean your gums and tongue too. If your dentures are loose or worn, they can trap more bacteria, and a refit may help.

Bad Breath in Children

Children can have bad breath too, often from poor brushing, mouth breathing, a stuffy nose or a lodged piece of food. If it lasts, bring your child in. Our children's dentistry team can check for cavities or gum problems and offer simple advice.

Following Up

After we treat the cause, we recommend a follow-up to check your progress. Most patients notice improvement once plaque, cavities or gum disease are under control, and we will adjust your plan if something else is going on.

Bad Breath and Diet

Foods such as garlic, onions and strong spices can affect breath for hours, as can coffee and alcohol. Crash diets and skipped meals can also cause odour. Eating regular meals, drinking water and choosing crunchy fruits and vegetables can help keep your mouth fresher between brushings.

Before Your Visit

• Note when your bad breath is worst and what you eat and drink.
• Bring a list of your medications, because some cause dry mouth.
• Brush as normal on the day of your visit so we see how things really are.

After Your Treatment

• Follow the home care plan we give you.
• Clean your tongue gently every day.
• Drink water and avoid tobacco.
• Return for a follow-up so we can check whether things are improving.

Insurance, CDCP and Billing

We accept most insurances and offer direct billing, and our team files the paperwork for you. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) may help eligible patients cover some services, as explained on our CDCP page. Our team will explain your options before treatment.