Successful treatment of halitosis (bad breath) will depend on identifying and treating its cause. In most cases of halitosis, this means receiving the appropriate dental treatment. For example, any existing tooth decay, abscesses or gum disease needs to be treated in order to have an effect on a patient’s breath odor. 

There are many over-the-counter remedies that claim to treat halitosis (e.g., sprays, mints, gum, mouthwashes, scented toothpastes). However, rather than treat bad breath, these products merely mask it. Their effects are usually temporary, at best, and do not treat the underlying problem.

Additional methods to treat and prevent halitosis include:

• Regular visits to the dentist. Periodic teeth cleanings and dental examinations can help prevent problems that can cause halitosis. Regular examinations can reveal oral infections (e.g., tooth decay) that are the source of halitosis.
  
  
• Proper dental hygiene. This helps to keep the mouth free of food particles and dead cells that can lead to halitosis. Daily dental hygiene consists of:
  
  
• • Brushing the teeth, tongue and gums. This should be done upon waking in the morning, at bedtime and after meals to remove decaying matter and bacteria from areas where they can accumulate. The tongue can be brushed lightly (about five to 15 strokes) with a soft-bristled toothbrush or special tongue scraper. The inner cheeks and roof of the mouth may also be brushed.
    
    
  • Flossing. This removes food particles, plaque and bacteria that become lodged between the teeth.
    
    
  • Special mouth rinses. Antimicrobial mouth rinses can help control plaque, and fluoride mouth rinses can help prevent tooth decay that can lead to halitosis.
    
    
• Plaque prevention alternatives. These help prevent the buildup of bacteria in the mouth when a person is unable to perform proper dental hygiene, and include eating foods such as:
  
  
• • Apples
  • Parsley or mint leaves
  • Raw carrots
  • Raw celery
    
    
• Encourage saliva production. Chewing sugar-free gum and sucking on sugar-free candy or lozenges can stimulate saliva production. Saliva helps to rid the mouth of odorous germs and helps prevent dry mouth, which can cause halitosis. Artificial saliva may be prescribed by a dentist in some cases.
  
  
• Drink plenty of water. This helps wash away germs, as well as encourage saliva production. It may also help dilute concentrations of the smelly waste products released in the breath of people who skip meals, consume too few carbohydrates or have diabetes.
  
  
• Keep oral appliances clean. Daily cleaning of all oral equipment (e.g., dentures, retainer, mouth guard) can prevent the buildup of bacteria and/or food particles on these devices, which can lead to halitosis.
  
  
• Periodically replace toothbrush. A new toothbrush should be used every few months to reduce bacterial buildup on brushes that can lead to halitosis.
  
  
• Avoid triggers. Eliminating foods or beverages that may be responsible for halitosis (e.g., garlic, onions, coffee, alcohol) can prevent it. This may also include tobacco products.

When halitosis is a symptom of an underlying medical condition (e.g., diabetes, kidney failure) the condition will need to be treated in order to eliminate the halitosis. Long-term care is usually required.