Eliminate bad breath (halitosis) at your dentist in Munich
Bad breath - treatment at the dentist
You suffer from bad breathdespite brushing your teeth and do not know what the cause is? In our Seehofer Dental Practice in downtown Munich we will be happy to help you find the reason.
In most cases, plaque and bacterial accumulations on the tongue surface or in gum pockets are the cause of bad breath. Factors such as poor oral hygiene, incorrect cleaning of teeth, tobacco consumption, reflux, faulty dentures, lack of salivation and nutrition can also play a role.
In order to find out the origin of the odour development in the individual case, the seals of crowns and bridges as well as the gums and tongue are subjected to a thorough examination in a first step. Depending on the findings, the individual treatment then begins. If, for example, plaque on the tongue is the cause, it is carefully cleaned and thoroughly freed of bacteria.
If an inflammation of the gums (periodontitis) is the cause of bad breath, the first step is a thorough cleaning of the teeth and the gum line or gum pockets to remove the bacteria. Deposits on the tooth surfaces and in the spaces between the teeth are also thoroughly removed, so that the bacteria no longer have a breeding ground to multiply and you get rid of the bad breath. If the bacteria are very strong, the treatment may need to be repeated.
We will be happy to advise you personally in our practice on your options - make an appointment now!
Bad breath treatment - costs and health insurance
The costs for the bad breath diagnosis are not reimbursed by the health insurance. With private supplementary insurance, subsidies are possible - depending on the tariff agreement. In the case of a private comprehensive health insurance, proportional costs are also covered, depending on the policy. It is advisable to discuss the possibilities of cost coverage with the health insurance company in advance of treatment.
Further information
How does bad breath (halitosis) develop?
Bad breath, also called halitosis, is caused by the activity of bacteria. These decompose protein molecules and dead mucous membrane cells, releasing an unpleasant odour. In healthy oral hygiene, the bacteria are not sufficiently active so that no noticeable bad breath is produced for outsiders. However, with frequent consumption of high-protein foods such as dairy products and fish combined with inadequate oral hygiene, the bacteria multiply rapidly and eventually cause bad breath.
If the teeth are not cared for sufficiently, solid plaque and tartar also form - a paradise for bacteria. Solid plaque is therefore often the cause of gingivitis (periodontitis) and bad breath is one of the first signs of inflammation. Bacteria prefer to collect in places where little oxygen can reach and which are difficult for the brush to reach, such as gum pockets, interdental spaces or braces and the surface of the tongue.
Preventing bad breath - tips
A thorough diagnosis by your dentist is important to determine the appropriate treatment, so you should always discuss your oral and dental care with your doctor. However, there are a few simple measures you can take to prevent or control bad breath:
- Brush your teeth after eating
- Also clean the spaces between your teeth with dental floss or dental brush
- Clean your tongue regularly with a tongue scraper
- Use mouthwashes
- Drink enough water daily (1.5 - 2 litres)
- Go twice a year for prophylaxis and professional dental cleaning.