We all get bad breath now and then—after a garlicky meal, a morning coffee, or a long night’s sleep. But when it lingers, even after brushing or rinsing, it could be a sign of something more serious. Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, is more than just a social worry. It’s often your body’s way of telling you there’s an underlying issue—usually starting in the mouth, but sometimes pointing to broader health concerns.
At Mentone Family Dentist, we don’t just cover up bad breath. We help you get to the root cause—restoring fresh breath and supporting your whole-body wellness.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Most bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth releasing gases called volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). These gases are produced when bacteria break down food, proteins, and even gum tissue. The same bacteria—like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum—are often behind gum disease too.
Other common causes of bad breath include:
- Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)
- Dry mouth (often from medications or dehydration)
- Poor oral hygiene (bacteria on the tongue or between the teeth)
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Strong-smelling foods like garlic, onion, or dairy
- Health issues such as diabetes, reflux, or liver disease
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
While bad breath can feel embarrassing, it’s often a sign of something deeper. The bacteria that cause it can enter your bloodstream and have been linked to more serious conditions like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and systemic inflammation.
In fact, chronic halitosis is one of the earliest signs of periodontal disease—a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and contribute to broader health risks.
How We Diagnose & Treat Bad Breath at Mentone Family Dentist
At Mentone Family Dentist, we take a comprehensive, non-judgemental approach to helping patients manage and overcome persistent bad breath. Our holistic strategy includes:
- Oral Microbiome Screening & Mapping - We analyse the types of bacteria in your mouth and identify harmful strains that may be disrupting your oral ecosystem.
- Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) - Using EMS Airflow technology, GBT gently but thoroughly cleans your teeth, gums, and tongue. It’s a non-invasive way to remove biofilm and reduce the bacteria causing odours.
- Ozonated Water Therapy - We use ozonated water to disinfect the mouth naturally. It kills harmful microbes while supporting tissue healing.
- Laser Treatment for Gum Health - Fotona laser therapy targets deep pockets around the gums, helping eliminate infection and inflammation without surgery.
- Tongue Cleaning - Up to 90% of bad-breath bacteria live on the tongue. Regular tongue cleaning is a game-changer—and we’ll show you how.
- Personalised Hygiene Guidance - We create a tailored hygiene plan for you, including tongue scrapers, mouthwashes, and simple daily habits to keep your breath fresh and microbiome balanced.
You don’t need to live with persistent bad breath—or mask it with mints. We’re here to help you treat the cause, not the symptoms. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward better oral hygiene and whole body health! Call us on (03) 9583 4181 or book online here.
Based on findings from Hampelska et al. (2020), Oral Microbiota and Halitosis, J. Clin. Med., 9(8), 2484.