The Emotional Effects of Having Chronic Halitosis

Over the 18 years of treating patients with chronic halitosis one observation we have clearly seen is that this problem does have an emotional, and often times, psychological impact on the person suffering from the condition. Frequently the individual feels they are the only person who is experiencing these feelings, but when we inform them that most everyone who suffers from chronic halitosis experiences similar emotional issues we often see a sense of relief come over them. There is a sense of being alone. Chronic halitosis will often cause a person to lack self-confidence, be withdrawn or introverted, and there are often times varying degrees of paranoia associated with the problem. These psychological issues can sometimes cause a person to imagine normal gestures and mannerisms of others as some sort of reaction to their breath. This is where it can be awkward because it can be quite difficult to determine whether another person’s gesture is a reaction to one’s bad breath or not. We generally try to convince our patients to ignore these types of things because at best it is only a guess as to why a person may be making a particular gesture or mannerism. During the treatment process at the Center for Breath Treatment we work with our patients to educate them about using the proper methods to assess their own breath, and more importantly what methods they should not be using. Using various techniques we do try to help our patients overcome some of the emotional issues that are related to their breath problems because halitosis really is comprised of both a physical and an emotional component. We often find that it takes time for the mind to catch up with what is happening with the body. On more than one occasion patients have left our office after completing treatment feeling elated and experiencing new heightened levels of confidence they haven't experienced in years. We have seen this all come crashing down within a few days because the emotional and psychological effects of their prior halitosis condition begin to creep back into their lives and take control. Overcoming this aspect of a halitosis condition can take considerable time and it is a long healing process. The longer a person has suffered with a chronic breath condition the longer it takes for the emotional and psychological issues to resolve themselves.



About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing dentist that specializes in halitosis treatment. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley founded the Center for Breath Treatment in the San Francisco Bay Area and conducts research on curing halitosis. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and on their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

What’s the Connection Between the Tongue and Bad Breath?

Tongues come in many shapes, textures, and sizes, and variations in these different aspects of the tongue can increase one’s chance of having chronic halitosis. Unlike the oral mucosa that lines the inside of the mouth, the top surface, or dorsum, of the tongue is covered by approximately 10,000 miniature taste buds. These taste buds are responsible for your being able to experience the sensation of taste. As it turns out there are different zones or areas of the tongue that allow you to taste different things. For example: The front or most anterior part of the tongue can only taste sweet things, while the lateral parts of the tongue midway back on the tongue can only taste salty flavors. Lastly, the posterior part of the tongue can only taste bitter tastes. You can even test these areas out yourself by placing something salty on the tip of your tongue and see if you can taste the saltiness. You will find you can’t since it can only sense sweet flavors. Taste buds do come in varying sizes and lengths, and the longer the taste buds the greater the chance bacteria, mucous, and food debris may settle within the taste buds. Some people may also have natural fissures on the dorsum of the tongue and these can also harbor mucous, debris, and bacteria. These can sometimes be quite difficult to keep clean. The bacteria that are responsible for bad breath are known as anaerobic bacteria and these types of bacteria cannot survive in an oxygenated environment so they are typically found in the hard to get at areas such as under the gum tissue or deep within the taste buds of the tongue. If you have long taste buds you are in effect providing a more ideal environment for this type of bacteria to survive or even thrive in. The longer the taste buds the more rough the overall surface of the tongue is and the more easy it is for mucous and bacteria to attach to the tongue. The combination of the bacteria and mucous may result in a proliferation of the anaerobic bacteria within the taste buds of the tongue. These bacteria in turn produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) as a metabolic byproduct. It is these VSCs that one smells when a person has halitosis. Everyone produces these VSCs to some extend but under normal conditions the concentration of VSCs being produced is well below the threshold of what the human nose can detect. If there are excessive numbers of anaerobic bacteria the concentration of the VSCs being produced may reach the point that other people can smell them, and now you have halitosis.



About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing dentist that specializes in halitosis treatment. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley founded the Center for Breath Treatment in the San Francisco Bay Area and conducts research on curing halitosis. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and on their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

Bad Breath and its Relationship to Gum Disease

As a practicing general dentist for over 33 years and also as a doctor who specializes in the treatment of chronic halitosis I have found that many people with gum disease can also suffer from halitosis. The odor is fairly distinct and easy to identify if you are familiar with gum disease. The reason for this connection is that the vast majority of the bacteria that are responsible for gum disease are the very same ones we find responsible for causing halitosis. These bacteria are referred to as gram (-) anaerobic bacteria and can only be found in areas where there is little to no oxygen.  Aerobic bacteria, on the other hand, must have an oxygenated environment in order to survive. Those areas under the gum tissue and deep within the taste buds provide an ideal environment for the gram (-) anaerobic bacteria to thrive due to the lack of oxygen. The diagnosis of gum disease is done using a combination of methods but the most common method used is to measure the depth of the gum pockets that surround each tooth. Measurements that are in the 1-3 mm range are considered healthy and 4 mm pocket is a sign of pending problems and probable gingivitis. Once the measurements exceed 4 mm it is often an indication of more serious problems and a condition referred to as periodontal disease. Once the measurements reach 5 mm or more it is often a sign of bone loss taking place and is also indicative of increased bacterial activity that is taking place under the gum tissue. Sometimes people may complain of a bad odor on their dental floss after flossing certain teeth. This is often a real indication there may be some gum problems in those areas. These bacteria will produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), and are the same compounds that are metabolically produced by many gram (-) anaerobic bacteria that are responsible for halitosis. They are the same odors found on the breath of someone suffering from halitosis. Does this mean that if you have two or three teeth with deep pockets you will be producing an offensive breath odor? Absolutely not, but if the number of teeth with deep pockets becomes more numerous or the pockets get deeper then this more severe type of gum condition certainly can lead to an accompanying bad breath condition. Many of the products we use in our home treatment programs and in the clinic have the dual benefit of helping to eliminate a halitosis condition and to help in the treatment of gum disease. A very effective device we use and recommend at the Center for Breath Treatment for the treatment of halitosis and gum disease is a device called a Hydro Floss Oral Irrigator. This device plays an integral role in the prevention and treatment of both halitosis and periodontal disease. Of course twice a day flossing and brushing is paramount to good oral health and in preventing bad breath.

About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing dentist that specializes in halitosis treatment. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley founded the Center for Breath Treatment in the San Francisco Bay Area and conducts research on curing halitosis. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and on their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

Can the type of Fillings in My Teeth affect One’s Breath?

Over the years we, at the Center for Breath Treatment, have received a lot of questions from the public and our patients regarding possible causes of halitosis. One question that is frequently asked is whether the type of fillings one has in their mouth can affect their breath odor. Over the years we have unfortunately seen a lot of people go through the process of having all of their old silver amalgam fillings replaced with the newer tooth colored composite fillings. This is a costly and time- consuming endeavor to undertake especially if you have a lot of fillings to replace. Regardless of the material used in the tooth restoration, fillings that are in good condition cannot produce any malodors on their own. If the filling is undermined with very large decay there is the possibility that a small odor could be generated by the decay and any trapped bacteria or food particles. Under normal conditions you should not have to concern yourself with whether your fillings are responsible for any forms of bad breath. In general the silver amalgam fillings are a very long lasting restoration that will far outlast the tooth colored composite fillings. They are also less expensive and time consuming to place in the mouth, and are more resistant to decay than the composite materials are. Their main drawback however is they are not as cosmetically appealing as the tooth colored fillings.


About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing dentist that specializes in halitosis treatment. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley founded the Center for Breath Treatment in the San Francisco Bay Area and conducts research on curing halitosis. He also was a founder of a biotechnology company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was on the board of directors from 1997 -2014.

At-Home Relief for Chronic Sinus Infections

While mucus is the first line of defense against sinus infections, irritation can cause production to go into overdrive. Without relief, the excess mucus can cause pain, discomfort, and the very sort of infection that it typically helps prevent. In cases where symptoms last eight weeks or longer, a sinus infection goes from being an acute case to a chronic one, and your sinuses become a breeding ground for halitosis-causing bacteria and fungus. When this happens, your sinusitis needs to be tackled on several fronts, addressing both the causes and the symptoms of the disease.

Mucus reduction – blow your nose frequently, but gently, using non-abrasive facial tissue and washing your hands each time. Stay hydrated; drink water and warm liquids, but avoid dairy products, which cause congestion. Mucus buildup with cause painful sinus pressure and delay your recovery from infection; for the most immediate relief, use a nasal irrigation system with a warm saline solution.

Pressure reduction – decongestants reduce swelling in your mucus membranes in your nose, allowing you to breathe easier. Use these medications sparingly, however, as they can lead to dehydration, which can worsen symptoms of halitosis. Placing a warm, moist wash cloth over your face will also help relieve sinus pressure.

Pain reduction – over-the-counter pain medication, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen, can help relieve headaches and sinus pain. Do not exceed the dosage recommended on the packaging unless directed to do so by a physician.

Antibiotics – chronic cases of sinusitis may require antibiotics to treat fully. If your doctor prescribes such medication, be sure to use the entire amount you are given as directed. An incomplete treatment could result in a stronger infection taking hold. Drink plenty of fluids to offset any dehydrating effects that your medication may have.

Keep in mind that, while all of the methods mentioned above will help in your recovery from a sinus infection, only sinus irrigation is of any preventative value. If you find yourself facing frequent bouts of sinusitis, consult your physician to ensure that the same infection is not resurfacing, and that you are taking adequate preventative measures. One very helpful device that we have used and recommended for many years is called the Hydro Pulse Nasal & Sinus Irrigator. It will gently flush the nasal and sinus passages thus reducing the incidence of sinus infection, reduces allergy symptoms, and it also reduces the post nasal drainage being produced by the sinuses.


About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing dentist that specializes in halitosis treatment. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley founded the Center for Breath Treatment in the San Francisco Bay Area and conducts research on curing halitosis. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and on their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

The Science Behind First Impressions

 Humans tend to disregard the role that the sense of smell plays in their lives, despite the fact that most other mammals depend on their noses far more than their eyes and ears. But while our vision and hearing play a large role in our conscious thought and judgments, psychological research shows that smells impact unconscious judgments and the formation of memories more than any of our other senses. Unfortunately, this stacks the deck against victims of halitosis when it comes to first impressions and lasting memories.

Total Recall
Memories are typically not as reliable as we give them credit for. Study after study has shown that subjects are often unable to accurately recall whether the person they just passed by them in the hallway had facial hair or a baseball cap. In light of this research, courts are even beginning to question the weight they give to eyewitness testimony and lineups.
Smell is a different story, however. The memories created by your sense of smell are far more vivid and easy to recall than those formed by vision. This is why you may not remember what color your grandfather’s favorite shirt was, but you will never forget whether or not your grandmother put cinnamon in your apple sauce. We cannot count on time to wipe away the memory of bad breath once it has made an impression. Only getting rid of bad breath will correct the damage done.
Emotional Memories

In addition to being more vivid, research shows that memories associated with a particular smell tend to be more emotional than those associated with sounds or images. A whiff of a turkey roasting in the oven will bring back heartwarming recollections of a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal far better than a photo of someone carving a bird will. Similarly, unpleasant memories associated with smells can be recalled more quickly than others, and they carry far more emotional weight.
A Negative Bias

It turns out that our noses are pessimists; malodorous memories are easier to remember and are retained longer than other memories related to smell. This is probably because the survival of our ancestors depended more on scents that signaled spoiled food and unsanitary conditions than other aromas. Unfortunately for those that suffer from halitosis, they are exhaling the same decaying-food odor that centuries of conditioning have prepared mankind to quickly identify, remember, and avoid.
Every time someone notices your bad breath, it creates ripples in their memory that last far longer than just one brief, uncomfortable encounter. Trying to overshadow those impressions by improving your appearance and your behavior will only go so far, battling against the most vivid, emotional, negatively-weighted biases that our brains can form. The best solution is to seek a halitosis professional that can help you overcome your halitosis and take away the handicap from your future first impressions.


About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing dentist that specializes in halitosis treatment. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley founded the Center for Breath Treatment in the San Francisco Bay Area and conducts research on curing halitosis. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and on their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

The Link Between Allergies and Bad Breath

With spring right around the corner, many people will start experiencing the annoying symptoms of allergies, such as sinus congestion, sneezing, and runny noses. As the weather becomes warm and windy, symptoms from allergies will only worsen. As if allergies themselves aren’t enough, they also tend to cause bad breath in people that experience sinus symptoms.

Sinus Congestion
Sinus congestion and post nasal drip are especially troublesome because they can be the source of halitosis. When you are congested, it’s difficult to breathe through your nose, causing you to breathe through your mouth more often than normal. Having a dry mouth causes bacteria to accumulate because it isn’t getting constantly washed away from saliva, which results in bad breath. This can get particularly problematic at night, and dry mouth coupled with morning breath is a recipe for bad breath. Unfortunately, there is even a possibility that your allergy medication is causing you to have dry mouth, so you should check the side effects of any medication you’re using, whether its prescription or over the counter. Make sure you are using a product that won’t cause bad breath, such as Clear-Ease, which contains natural enzymes that break down mucus and helps reduce congestion.

Post Nasal Drip
Post nasal drip is another allergy related culprit of bad breath. This is due to excessive mucus getting collected in the nose and throat, which results in a film of mucus that is left on the back of your tongue from a constant nasal drip. Post nasal drip also causes people to cough, forcing this “biofilm” to travel into the mouth and create a breeding ground for bacteria. And again, if you’re experiencing dry mouth because of congestion also, this only serves to compound the problem.

What Are Your Options?
Luckily there are solutions to problem. Of course, seeing your doctor will give you the benefit of a professional opinion on your nasal issues and they will outline a course of action for dealing with the problem. Another great solution that may be recommended by your doctor for bad breath caused by post nasal drip or sinus congestion is regular sinus irrigation. Irrigation will clear away any mucus that has built up in your sinuses and throat, and allow you to breathe better to avoid dry mouth.


About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing dentist that specializes in halitosis treatment. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley founded the Center for Breath Treatment in the San Francisco Bay Area and conducts research on curing halitosis. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and on their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

Eating to Ward Off Bad Breath

It’s a common misconception that certain foods can give you prolonged bad breath. While it’s true that strong tasting foods can make your breath unpleasant, it’s only temporary and there are many simple solutions to this problem. If you suffer from chronic halitosis, however, there are foods you can incorporate into your diet that will actually help diminish your bad breath, many of which will also support your overall health. Here are a few foods that help keep halitosis at bay:

Fruit

Fruit is not only healthy for you in general, but it may help to ward off bad breath. Apples are great for getting saliva flowing and the texture naturally rids your teeth of plaque. Citrusy fruits, such as lemons and oranges, work especially well for their saliva inducing properties. They also have high vitamin C content, which helps keep gums healthy by fighting gum disease and gingivitis.

Veggies

Carrots, celery, green beans, and other crunchy vegetables work similarly to apples by promoting saliva production and washing away bacteria and other debris that is sticking to your gums and teeth.

Herbs and Spices

Ditch the Big Red and go the natural route with some cinnamon. Cinnamon is a great way to conceal bad breath through both its potent fragrance and its bacteria killing properties. Parsley has also been used for years to mask bad breath. The oils in parsley help to give your breath a pleasant fragrance that will ward off some of the mouth odors that can result from certain foods you may eat.

Tea

While you want to avoid getting too much caffeine in your diet, drinking tea will help cleanse your mouth of bad breath causing bacteria.

Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are rich in vitamins that support healthy gums and fight bad bacteria. Their texture is also helpful in loosening plaque and cleansing your mouth.

Mint

While not as natural as our other suggestions, mints are always an option for a quick fix to bad breath. BreathGemz are a favorite among our patients.

Water

Last, but certainly not least, is staying hydrated. Drinking water regularly will help cleanse your mouth and keep you hydrated by promoting saliva production that washes away bacteria and improves your breath.


About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing dentist that specializes in halitosis treatment. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley founded the Center for Breath Treatment in the San Francisco Bay Area and conducts research on curing halitosis. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and on their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

How Has Recent Research Impacted Our Understanding of Halitosis?

Like all scientific fields, the understanding of the medical causes and effects surrounding bad breath, or halitosis, is always advancing. Good work is being done by medical researchers around the world to increase the community’s understanding of halitosis and how it may be prevented or reduced. Unfortunately, with all this research being done, it can be hard to keep up! In this post, we’ll highlight some of the recent findings in the field of halitosis research. And hopefully, these findings will be useful to you if you are trying to get rid of your bad breath.

Dutch Interview to Prove Effectiveness of Expert Help

In the February 2012 issue of the International Journal of Dental Hygiene, an interesting case study was presented. In this case, a cognitively disadvantaged middle-aged Dutch man suffered from severe chronic halitosis. He generally perceived his symptoms to be hopeless, and they negatively affected his quality of life and his motivation to maintain basic hygiene. In the case study, the man was paired with a dental hygienist who took the time to understand his problem and provide targeted recommendations to help him improve his condition. The result of the study showed that this targeted attention could effectively improve quality of life over a short (3 month period) of time, during which he significantly reduced the symptoms of his condition and improved his self-perception as well. What does this tell us? Well, it provides proof that expert advice from concerned individuals such as what may be found at the Center for Breath Treatment can provide very tangible benefits, even to people who regard their case as hopeless.

Can Mouthwashes Effectively Reduce Bad Breath?

Scientists in the Netherlands reviewed over 300 studies to determine whether certain mouthwashes were more effective than others in reducing oral malodor for the August 2012 International Journal of Dental Hygiene. Their conclusion? Chlorhexidine mouthwashes were found to be most effective of the bunch (although they discolor the teeth), and cetylpyridinium chloride and zinc combinations (such as found in BreathRx) were close behind.

Where Does the Tongue Coating Come From?

A study in the December 2012 Journal of Clinical Periodontology looked at the major factors leading to formation of the tongue coating known to contribute to halitosis. It found that level of oral hygiene was the strongest factor – regular hygiene such as good brushing techniques and regular flossing significantly reduce tongue coating formation. Other factors identified include smoking, denture use, presence of periodontitis (inflamed gums), and to a lesser extent, dietary habits. The main takeaway of this study? Follow experts’ recommended oral care routine every day to reduce the severity of halitosis. Oral hygiene can be improved by using better mouthcare technology, such as the Hydro Floss Oral Irrigator. As you can see, there’s lots of great work still being done in the field of dental hygiene to aid in our understanding of halitosis. The experts at the Center for Breath Treatment work on a daily basis to keep up with these trends and provide the very best products for their customers. Have you seen any good studies recently on halitosis or other dental issues? Let us know about them in the comments below.


About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing dentist that specializes in halitosis treatment. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley founded the Center for Breath Treatment in the San Francisco Bay Area and conducts research on curing halitosis.

Managing Chronic Halitosis

For most people, bad breath isn’t a serious issue in their lives, but for those with chronic halitosis, keeping bad breath under control is an everyday battle. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do on your own to help alleviate your condition. Here are some strategies that you can easily take to help ward off bad breath:

Eating a Healthy Breakfast

In addition to the dietary benefits of eating breakfast, it can also help with halitosis. Breakfast helps dislodge bacteria at the back of the tongue and gets saliva flowing in your mouth to help wash away bacteria that have built up over night.

Maintaining Proper Oral Hygiene

The most obvious thing you can do is make sure that you are brushing at least twice a day, flossing every day, and regularly seeing a dentist. For most people, just doing this will help cut down on the bacteria in your mouth and keep bad breath at bay. For sufferers of chronic halitosis, it’s absolutely necessary in order to keep bad breath at a minimum. Another important practice to remember is to make sure that you’re cleaning your tongue to get rid of bacteria. An antibacterial tongue spray can help fight persistent bacteria on the tongue.
 
Stimulating Saliva with Gum, Lozenges, or Herbs

While it isn’t advisable to chew gum often, chewing a piece of sugarless gum once in a while will help get saliva glands working and reduce bad breath. If you suffer from Xerostomia, or chronic dry mouth, using specially formulated lozenges is a great way to get saliva flowing. If you prefer to go the all-natural route, chewing on fresh parsley and mint has been used for centuries to alleviate bad breath and is still considered an effective alternative to chewing gum.

Lifestyle Changes

Living a healthy lifestyle is also an important part of managing chronic halitosis. Smoking and eating unhealthy, sugary foods will only worsen the condition or could even be the main contributing factor. Even not drinking enough water, leading to dry mouth, can help reduce bad breath.

Visiting a Professional

There are many things that could be causing chronic halitosis, from genetic issues, to diseases, to medications you may be on. There is even the possibility of a more serious underlying medical issue. Without visiting a breath specialist, you may not be able to identify the source of your chronic halitosis, or even verify that you have chronic halitosis. A professional will help you to identify the cause of your bad breath and outline the necessary steps to take to alleviate it. At the Center for Breath Treatment patients undergo a thorough examination and assessment to determine the extend of their halitosis problem and the causes of their condition.


About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing dentist that specializes in halitosis treatment. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley founded the Center for Breath Treatment in the San Francisco Bay Area and conducts research on curing halitosis. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and on their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

History of Bad Breath Treatment

Humans have been battling bad breath for thousands of years, and the many advances in this field have benefited those with both temporary and chronic halitosis. While technology has evolved, the basic concepts of bad breath treatment have remained similar in some ways. The following looks at the history of bad breath treatment up to the present day.
 
Ancient Bad Breath Cures

Ancient cultures had many ways of treating bad breath. While some were pleasant, others were downright disgusting. Parsley, still a common breath freshener, was popular with the Romans for use after meals. In the region that is now Iraq, people ate cloves after dining on pungent native cuisine. People throughout the Middle East chewed mastic gum, a tree resin that is still popular today for freshening breath. The ancient Chinese had some of the most bizarre bad breath control. For example, many traditional Chinese doctors recommended chewing crushed egg shells to grind off the plaque and grime that caused oral odor.

Middle Ages and Renaissance Breath Freshening

Doctors in medieval Europe had a powerful arsenal of spices and herbal cures for bad breath. While many treatments were similar to modern halitosis treatments, others were extreme by today's standards. For example, one 12th-century halitosis treatment advised women to use wine as mouthwash following meals and then wipe their teeth clean with a cloth. Later in the Renaissance, a popular breath treatment involved chewing a mixture of pepper, mint and rock salt and then swallowing. By the 1500s, people were beginning to use an early mint mouthwash, which was prepared by steeping mint in vinegar. Other Renaissance breath treatments included rubbing teeth with powders made of burned rosemary and mixtures of sage and salt.
 
Oral Bacteria Discovered

In the 17th century, Anton van Leeuwenhoek looked through his homemade microscope and observed bacteria living in the human mouth. He also discove
red, through experiments using brandy and vinegar, that not all of those organisms could be eliminated using antiseptics. It became clear that oral bacteria could be kept in check using dental hygiene, but the odors they produced had to be tackled head-on.

1800s Bad Breath Treatment Advances

The 19th century saw the introduction of the first major mouthwash brand, which is still popular today. Listerine was inspired by Joseph Lister, an English Surgeon who was working to create an antiseptic formula to prevent infections associated with surgery. Joseph Joshua Lawrence, the creator of the new mouthwash, mixed alcohol with eucalyptol, thymol and menthol for the treatment of bad breath as well as gingivitis and tooth decay. Mouthwash was soon found on pharmacy shelves everywhere.


Halitosis Treatment in the 1900s

The 20th century saw a huge expansion of the breath mint and mouthwash market, but advances sped up as soon as scientists pinpointed the cause of halitosis. The 20th century saw a huge expansion of the breath mint and mouthwash market, but advances sped up as soon as scientists pinpointed the cause of halitosis. In 1964, Dr. Tonzetich found that the smell usually associated with bad breath was the result of volatile sulfur compounds from certain bacteria. Although these bacteria were understood to be natural, they were clearly a problem when they grew out of control. This discovery changed the landscape of bad breath treatment.    

Modern Advances in Breath Treatment

Breath mints and basic mouthwash products remain popular, but consumers can now choose from an array of specially designed products that confront bad breath from multiple angles. Irrigation systems, for flushing bacteria from the sinuses and nasal passages, are effective for many people. BreathGemz, power dual-action breath fresheners, are also popular. Others prefer to use a combination of approaches to fight halitosis from every possible angle. Thanks to modern halitosis research and the comprehensive selection of products offered by companies specializing in bad breath treatment, modern consumers have better chances of ridding themselves of halitosis compared to many others throughout the long, colorful history of this human struggle.



About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing dentist that specializes in halitosis treatment. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley founded the Center for Breath Treatment in the San Francisco Bay Area and conducts research on curing halitosis. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and on their board of directors from 1997 -2014.