Persistent Bad Breath
Finally Solved
Halitosis is almost always caused by bacteria — often below the gumline. We identify the source and treat it directly, not just mask the symptoms.
Finally Solved
Halitosis is almost always caused by bacteria — often below the gumline. We identify the source and treat it directly, not just mask the symptoms.
Bad Breath Is a
Medical Condition
Chronic bad breath (halitosis) affects 1 in 4 adults. In 90% of cases, the source is in the mouth — bacteria on the tongue, between teeth, or below the gumline. Mouthwash, mints, and gum only mask the odour temporarily.
At Edgemont Dental, we diagnose the root cause and treat it. Whether the source is periodontal bacteria, tongue biofilm, dry mouth, or an underlying systemic factor, we identify it precisely and create a treatment plan that works.
Common Causes
Bacteria on the tongue surface
Periodontal (gum) disease
Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Food trapped in deep pockets
Poorly fitting dental restorations
Systemic conditions (rare: diabetes, kidney, sinus)
Why Mints Don't Work
Bacteria & Biofilm
The primary culprit. Volatile sulfur compounds produced by anaerobic bacteria create the distinctive bad-breath odour — and no amount of minting covers them for long.
Gum Disease
Deep periodontal pockets harbour bacteria that are impossible to reach with regular brushing — and constantly produce odour-causing compounds below the gumline.
Dry Mouth
Saliva is your mouth's natural cleaner. Reduced flow from medications, mouth-breathing, or medical conditions allows bacteria to thrive unchecked.
What We Do
Differently
Professional Deep Cleaning
Removes bacterial deposits from below the gumline — the most common and most significant source of persistent halitosis in adults.
Tongue Assessment
The tongue's surface is a major reservoir for odour-causing bacteria. We assess and advise on proper tongue cleaning technique and tools.
Periodontal Treatment
If gum disease is present, we treat it directly — which resolves the halitosis as a direct, predictable result of eliminating the bacterial source.
Saliva Testing
We assess for dry mouth (xerostomia) and discuss any contributing medications or underlying conditions affecting saliva production.
Home Care Protocol
A customised routine including the right tools — tongue scrapers, water flossers, prescription rinses — to keep bacteria under control between visits.
Follow-up Monitoring
We track your progress at recall appointments to ensure the treatment is working and adjust your protocol as needed for lasting results.
From Assessment to
Fresh Breath
01
Assessment
Breath analysis and a full oral exam to pinpoint the exact source of the odour — tongue, gumline, pockets, or systemic factors.
02
Professional Cleaning
Deep cleaning to remove tartar, bacteria, and biofilm at and below the gumline — the most impactful step for the majority of patients.
03
Treatment Plan
Any underlying conditions — gum disease, decay, dry mouth — are addressed directly so the problem is solved, not masked.
04
Home Protocol
You leave with a precise home care plan tailored to your specific cause, including recommended products and a follow-up schedule.
Common Questions
Will mouthwash fix my bad breath?
Temporarily — it masks odour for 30–60 minutes but does nothing to address the bacterial source. Some mouthwashes can even worsen dry mouth, compounding the problem. Professional treatment of the underlying cause is the only long-term solution.
How do I know if I have bad breath?
Ask someone you trust, or try the wrist-lick test — lick your wrist, wait 10 seconds, and smell. Another method is to floss your back teeth and smell the floss. Our team can also perform a clinical breath assessment at your appointment.
Is halitosis a sign of gum disease?
Often, yes. If your bad breath persists despite a consistent oral hygiene routine, a periodontal assessment is strongly recommended. The majority of chronic halitosis cases originate at or below the gumline — exactly where gum disease develops.
End Bad Breath for Good
Book a halitosis assessment — we'll find the cause and fix it, not just mask it.