Bad Breath Treatment in NYC
We Fix Bad Breath
Suffering from bad breath, halitosis, can be severely stigmatizing and have a dramatic effect on your social life and activities. If you suffer from bad breath, Dr. Scott Froum will help you to find the right combination of treatments to help reduce or eliminate your bad breath problems.
What Causes Bad Breath
Bad breath can be caused by a variety of problems inside and outside the mouth.
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Bad breath can be caused by a variety of problems in the mouth, digestive system, sinus cavity, nasal cavity, and respiratory system. Within the mouth, hundreds of types of naturally occurring bacteria, known as the oral microflora, play a major role. These bacteria eat leftover food particles that are left on your teeth and produce waste products called volatile sulfur compounds, which can lead to bad breath. In addition, these volatile sulfur compounds can cause inflammation and damage to the gum tissues that support your teeth. This damage can lead to the formation of periodontal “pockets,” which can trap even more bacteria and food, further exacerbating the cycle of bacteria growth and worsening breath. Addressing the root causes of bacterial buildup and maintaining good oral health are essential steps in breaking this cycle and improving breath quality.Bad breath is not always caused by problems within the mouth. Things outside of the mouth such as digestive problems, gastric reflux disease, sinus infections, and some genetic disorders can also cause bad breath. For example, bacterial by-products from the lungs and sinus cavity are directly linked to the mouth and can result in bad breath. Inflammatory bowel disorders like ulcerative colitis & Chron’s disease, and other diseases that cause inflammation of the digestive system, have been shown to negatively affect breath. Identifying and managing these underlying health issues is often essential to fully addressing persistent bad breath.
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Bad breath is not always caused by problems within the mouth. Things outside of the mouth such as digestive problems, gastric reflux disease, sinus infections, and some genetic disorders can also cause bad breath. For example, bacterial by-products from the lungs and sinus cavity are directly linked to the mouth and can result in bad breath. Inflammatory bowel disorders like ulcerative colitis & Chron’s disease, and other diseases that cause inflammation of the digestive system, have been shown to negatively affect breath. Identifying and managing these underlying health issues is often essential to fully addressing persistent bad breath.
Bad Breath Diagnosis
There are multiple methods to diagnose bad breath, ranging from basic self-assessment to advanced clinical testing. Subjective tests, though not not tremendously reliable, include exhaling and smelling your breath, smelling the floss or interproximal devices after use, licking your wrist and smelling it after it dries, and asking your friends and family if they notice a bad odor. However, objective testing provides a far more accurate and consistent result. Advanced diagnostic tools include Gas Chromatography, which uses a machine to detect volatile sulfur compounds in your breath even at low concentrations, and DNA PCR tests, which are able to detect the specific oral bacteria in your mouth known to cause bad breath. Achieving a proper diagnosis through these objective methods is critical to developing a personalized and effective treatment plan for lasting improvement.
Bad Breath Solutions
Once the cause of chronic bad breath (halitosis) has been accurately diagnosed, treatment can be tailored to address the underlying issue—not just mask the odor. In many cases, halitosis is caused by an overgrowth of harmful oral bacteria, particularly in areas like the tongue, gum pockets, or around dental work.
Treatment may include a combination of professional cleanings, antibacterial mouth rinses, and advanced periodontal therapies. For patients with gum disease or deep bacterial pockets, scaling and root planing or laser periodontal treatment may be recommended. In cases where specific bacteria have been identified through DNA testing, targeted antimicrobial therapy can help rebalance the oral microbiome.
Dr. Scott Froum also offers guidance on improving tongue hygiene, managing dry mouth (a major contributor to halitosis), and incorporating oral probiotics. With proper treatment and follow-up care, most patients experience significant and lasting improvement in breath freshness and oral health.
Contact us at 212-751-8530 to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward fresher breath and improved confidence.
Did you know?
Bacteria that causes halitosis is often found embedded into the tongue.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Get regular dental check ups to look for cavities and gum disease
Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and avoid tobacco and alcohol.
Make sure your gut health and sinus problems are under control
Check with your doctor regarding food sensitivities or intolerances that may cause bad breath.
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Certain foods can cause bad breath, although the specific effects often vary from person to person. Typical foods that are known to have odors can include garlic, onions, and curry; however, it is important to recognize that what is considered odorous can be culturally influenced. In many cases, foods that don’t agree with your digestive system are more likely to cause bad breath. For instance, if a person is lactose intolerant and they have dairy, they will not only develop intestinal issues, but can also develop bad breath as a result of the digestive disturbance. Understanding and identifying food sensitivities is an important step in managing and preventing food-related halitosis.
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Yes, dental issues that can cause bad breath include:
Cavities and gum disease
Thrush (yeast infections)
Dental abscesses or infection
Food being caught between the teeth or around orthodontic appliances
Tonsil stones
Poorly fitting crowns or veneers
Dentures that are not cleaned well
Braces or clear aligners that are properly maintained
Orthodontic appliances
Addressing these dental issues is essential for lasting fresh breath and oral health.
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Approximately 20-40% of chronic bad breath can be caused by underlying medical conditions or side-effects from a person’s medications:
Stomach and Digestion: Leaky gut, inflammation of the gut, poor digestion, acid reflux, and irritable bowel diseases can all lead to bacteria in the stomach causing odors in the mouth
Sinus: Sinus infections, post-nasal drip, sinus congestion, chronic sinusitis and other sinus draining issues, can lead to an excess of bacteria that cause odors and it then can cause the mouth to have bad breath
Dry mouth syndrome (xerostomia): Dry mouth syndrome occurs when there isn’t enough saliva present in your mouth to cleanse the mouth naturally, harmful bacteria can flourish. Saliva also plays a critical role in protecting your teeth and gums due to its antibacterial properties.
In addition to these causes, various other medical conditions are known to influence bad breath. Medications — particularly anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, heart medications, allergy treatments, and antihistamines — may cause dry mouth as a side effect. Furthermore, conditions such as diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, autoimmune diseases, certain cancers, immunocompromised disorders, and a history of head and neck radiation can all exacerbate or cause bad breath issues.
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In most cases, mouthwash alone is not a highly effective solution for treating chronic bad breath.
Many over-the-counter mouth rinses have alcohol in them and can temporarily mask the bad breath, however, they often dry out the mouth. This dryness can actually worsen bad breath after the temporary freshening effect wears off.
More effective, compounded mouth rinses containing antibiotics can kill bad bacteria. When they are followed by a probiotic mouth rinse to promote healthy bacteria, mouth rinses can be effective.
The best mouth rinses for long-term bad breath management are alcohol-free formulations that keep the teeth and oral tissue moisturized without drying them out. These also help maintain a balanced oral microbiome.
To learn more contact us today for an appointment.
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To learn more or schedule a consultation for bad breath evaluation and treatment, contact us today at 212-751-8530.
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Dr. Scott Froum provides expert bad breath treatment to patients across Midtown NYC and the greater NYC area.