Halitosis – Causes, Treatment, & Prevention

Graphic illustration of woman with bad breath, or halitosis.

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, can be embarrassing and frustrating. While now and then it’s perfectly normal to have bad breath, sometimes there may be a more severe underlying issue. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of halitosis, treatment options, and what you can do to prevent it.

What Is Halitosis?

Halitosis, or bad breath, is characterized by an unpleasant odor from the mouth. It can be a chronic or temporary condition, and may have a range of underlying causes, but mainly develops from bacteria that live on the surface of the tongue and throat.

What Causes Halitosis?

The main culprit of halitosis tends to be poor oral hygiene. Without an effective oral hygiene routine, bacteria in the mouth can produce foul-smelling gases. Other causes of halitosis include:

  • Gum Disease
  • Untreated Dental Issues
  • Tonsil Stones
  • Dry Mouth
  • Acidic Diet
  • Medical Conditions

Treatment for Halitosis

While it can be embarrassing, the good news is that there are many approaches to treating bad breath, depending on its cause. Some treatment options include:

    Practicing Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining a thorough oral care routine is the foundation of treating bad breath. Brushing, flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help eliminate bacteria. Therabreath™ can be a good option for mouthwash focused on bad breath. Brushing the tongue is also important (a tongue scraper can help!).

    Professional Dental Cleaning: Regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and check-ups can address underlying dental issues and keep your mouth healthy.

    Treating Underlying Conditions: If a medical condition is causing your bad breath, addressing the underlying issue is essential for long-term relief.

How to Prevent Halitosis

If you’re concerned about developing halitosis or have combatted it before, here are some handy tips to prevent it:


Schedule a Dental Visit in Long Island City, NY

We understand that no one wants bad breath. At Queensboro Plaza Dental Care, we can help you combat bad breath with appropriate treatment or prevent bad breath with our comprehensive dental service. Enjoy the benefits of good oral hygiene by scheduling an appointment with our team today!

Contact Us

Patient Reviews

Karoline PammerKaroline Pammer
20:52 30 Mar 22
Dr. Nguyen and his staff are extremely competent, friendly and professional. He is very thorough and explains everything very clearly. Finally I feel like I am in good hands when it comes to dental care.
Matt SmithMatt Smith
21:18 05 Feb 22
Great overall experience getting a dental cleaning. Very friendly staff, beautifully designed office, and a comfortable experience watching calming Netflix nature programming while in the chair. Complimentary beverages are in the waiting room and so is a little play area for kids.It felt to me that this was a patient-focused family practice as opposed to a cold, corporate dental mill trying to churn through as many patients as possible.I’ll definitely be coming back here for all my dental needs and I highly recommend.
Sundup SherpaSundup Sherpa
22:07 02 Feb 22
Dr. Nguyen and his staff are very welcoming and they provide an excellent experience every time I visit. I’ve only been here twice for annual checkups but would definitely consider and recommend this place to anyone who appreciates good customer experience and a very thoughtful approach to making sure that you feel at home. I have some procedures set up for later in the month and I must actually be the only person in the world actually looking forward to a dentist appointment.
Jayrockem GottemJayrockem Gottem
21:27 09 Nov 21
Great place wonderful staff they will be my go too dentist 100%
shawaf alishawaf ali
22:08 26 Aug 21
Very confident after leaving the office that my teeth are in greatttt hands. Above and beyond patient care. Very informative visits. A sense that they genuinely care about patient concerns. Added helpful guidelines I took home with me to reach dental hygiene goals before my next visits. Highly recommended you leave your old scary dentist ! 😁😁
js_loader
Queensboro Plaza Dental Care

Queensboro Plaza Dental Care