Bad Breath Treatment in Cape Town

Many people are unaware they have bad breath until someone else points it out, which can be understandably embarrassing. However, there are a few signs you can look out for. A persistent unpleasant taste in your mouth, dryness, or a white coating on your tongue can all be indicators of halitosis. Some people also experience a sticky feeling in the mouth or may notice that others step back during conversations.

A professional diagnosis from a bad breath specialist is the most reliable way to confirm if you’re dealing with oral odour. During your visit, we can use clinical tools to measure sulphur compounds and perform a thorough oral examination to determine the root cause of your symptoms.

In most adults, bad breath is caused by bacterial build-up in the mouth. This may result from poor oral hygiene, gum disease, tooth decay, or food particles left between teeth. However, there are also other causes such as smoking, dry mouth, and high-protein diets that can lead to unpleasant odours.

Certain health conditions may also be responsible for chronic halitosis, including diabetes, acid reflux, and sinus infections. Identifying the reason behind bad breath is essential, as the treatment will vary depending on whether the cause is dental, lifestyle-related, or medical.

While good oral hygiene habits—like brushing twice a day, flossing, and cleaning your tongue—can help with occasional bad breath, they may not be enough to treat more persistent cases. Home remedies might mask the symptoms but won’t resolve the root cause if it’s linked to gum disease, dry mouth, or internal health issues.

Seeing a halitosis specialist ensures you get a tailored diagnosis and treatment plan. We help you understand exactly what’s causing your symptoms and provide lasting solutions, from professional cleanings to medical referrals if needed.

Several systemic health conditions can cause or contribute to bad breath. These include diabetes (particularly when blood sugar is poorly controlled), gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux or ulcers, liver or kidney problems, and respiratory infections. Each of these may lead to the release of specific chemicals that manifest as oral odour.

If your bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene, it’s important to consider a comprehensive assessment. At our Durbanville clinic, we’ll help determine whether a referral to a GP or specialist is necessary as part of your overall bad breath treatment plan.

Yes, for most people, bad breath can be managed and even cured with the right approach. The key is to identify and treat the source of the problem. For example, if the issue is due to gum disease or poor tongue hygiene, targeted dental treatment and improved daily habits can resolve it permanently.

However, if your halitosis is related to a medical condition, ongoing management of that condition may be required. Our goal is to give you not just short-term freshness, but a long-term solution for bad breath that supports both your oral and general health.

Brushing and rinsing may not always reach the bacteria hiding in deeper areas of the mouth, such as the back of the tongue or under the gums. In many cases, this is why people still struggle with bad mouth smell even after following a regular brushing routine.

Professional treatment goes beyond surface-level cleaning. We’ll assess whether you have gum disease, dry mouth, or faulty dental work that may be harbouring bacteria. We’ll also guide you on using specialised tools, such as tongue scrapers and high-quality mouth rinses, that are more effective in treating halitosis.

Your consultation at our Durbanville dental practice will be discreet, respectful, and focused on finding answers. We’ll begin by asking questions about your medical history, oral hygiene habits, diet, and lifestyle. This gives us context for understanding potential contributing factors to your mouth odour.

Next, we’ll carry out a thorough oral exam, including your teeth, gums, tongue, and throat. In some cases, we may use diagnostic tools to measure the levels of odour-producing sulphur compounds in your breath. After the assessment, we’ll provide a clear explanation of your condition and recommend the best course of treatment.

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when there isn’t enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. This allows bacteria to thrive and produces unpleasant odours. It can be caused by medication, medical conditions, or dehydration, and is a common cause of chronic halitosis.

Treatment focuses on stimulating saliva flow and keeping the mouth hydrated. This may include prescribing saliva substitutes, recommending sugar-free chewing gum, or suggesting specific hydration routines. We may also adjust your oral hygiene routine to include products designed for dry mouth relief.

Absolutely. Gum disease, especially in its more advanced stages (periodontitis), is one of the most common causes of persistent bad breath. The infection in the gums creates pockets where bacteria accumulate, releasing foul-smelling gases that cause noticeable oral odour.

Treatment of gum disease includes deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing, and in some cases, antibacterial treatments. Addressing gum disease not only improves your breath but also supports overall oral health, preventing tooth loss and inflammation.

Yes, and we offer access to professional-grade products that are far more effective than regular supermarket brands. These include antibacterial mouthwashes, oxygenating toothpaste, tongue cleaners, and customised kits that support long-term control of mouth odour.

Because we tailor your treatment to the underlying cause, we’ll only recommend what is genuinely necessary for your case. These products are part of a comprehensive approach that may also include lifestyle advice and routine professional care, ensuring lasting relief from halitosis.