Halitosis (Bad Breath)

Although periodontal diseases have been traditionally associated with halitosis (persistent bad breath), individuals with healthy looking oral tissues can suffer from severe halitosis. The odour of the breath is similar to that of someone with severe periodontal disease.

Halitosis as oral infection

There are numerous causes for halitosis, but by far the most common cause is the presence of bacteria on the teeth and tongue that can produce unpleasant and very toxic chemicals. These components of halitosis are primarily hydrogen sulphide (a rotten egg smell) and methyl mercaptan (a fecal or metallic odour) as well as dimethyl sulphide (the smell of rotting cabbage). Collectively they are called volatile sulphur compounds or VSCs. The offensive odours of VSCs indicate the presence of an oral infection.

Bacteria break down organic matter and extract nutrients for nourishment. This process causes the organic matter to rot or decay. The organic matter in the mouth happens to be living mouth tissues (you!), dead cells, and proteins found in saliva. The resulting VSCs in the oral cavity contribute to tissue destruction. Methyl mercaptan, one of the toxic compounds produced by oral bacteria, can penetrate into deeper tissues. This chemical also decreases wound healing and is often responsible for the bad taste you may experience. Hydrogen sulphide is another highly toxic gas that affects both the respiratory and nervous systems, as well as deadening the sense of smell.

Have you tried to brush your bad breath problems away?

Even the most meticulous brushing and flossing will not get rid of bad breath and periodontal disease. In fact, many bad breath sufferers have healthy looking mouths and impeccable oral care habits.

Research shows that 75% of the population suffers from some form of periodontal disease, and about 50% from halitosis or a bad taste problem. Both are evidence of an oral infection. So it's no surprise that millions of dollars are spent annually in Canada on over-the-counter rinses and breath products that only briefly mask odours without eliminating the underlying infection – oral bacteria that are persistent, resistant and resilient.

The Oravital™ System is a unique, non-surgical oral treatment that successfully removes the problem-causing bacteria.

To assess and treat your bad breath problem, we provide the following:

1. Microbial analysis of oral biofilm to check for bacteria that can produce those smelly chemicals.
2. Comprehensive diagnosis to determine the type, extent and location of the problem.
   Odours can be on found on the back or top of the tongue or in between the teeth.
3. Dietary assessment for regular meal patterns and recommended food groups. Sometimes breath odours are unpleasant because the person eats infrequently or has an unbalanced diet. When that happens, the body produces unpleasant byproducts called ketones that give the breath an odour.
4. Evaluation of your health history in terms of conditions that can contribute to breath odour.
5. Individualised treatment over a period of six weeks followed by a personalised maintenance system.
6. Ongoing dedicated follow-up and support from expert clinicians.

Don't let your breath be on their minds!

According to a survey done for Oral-B by Maritz Research, 44% of Canadians cite bad breath as the "most offensive oral misdemeanour in the workplace" - and one in 10 say they would actually compromise their job by missing meetings in order to avoid speaking to colleagues with bad breath!

You may have a breath problem and not be aware of it - the same bacteria-produced chemicals that cause odour also reduce your sense of smell and/or taste. Or you may be very aware of a breath problem, but nothing you've tried before has worked for you. The Oravital™ System is a unique science-based treatment process that succeeds by using a highly individualised approach that really works!

Next: How does the Oravital™ System work?