“Had a good experience at this dental clinic. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the dentist explained the treatment clearly. The clinic was clean and the overall experience was comfortable. Would recommend this clinic for dental care.”
Bad breath
Bad Breath in Kondapur, Hyderabad
Bad breath in Kondapur is usually caused by bacteria in the mouth, on the teeth, along the gums and on the back of the tongue. It is common and treatable, and finding where the smell comes from decides what to do about it.
Elite Dental Clinic is a dental clinic in Kondapur, Hyderabad. This page is medically reviewed by Dr. Revathi Indukuri, a dentist at the clinic. It explains the causes of bad breath in Kondapur, how a dentist tracks down the source, what treatment helps and what you can do at home.
- Usual source
- Bacteria in the mouth
- First step
- Finding the cause
- Mouthwash
- Only temporary relief
- Open
- Every day
Open every day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. If you have pain or swelling, call or send a WhatsApp message before you come so your visit can be planned.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Revathi Indukuri, BDS, MDS (Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics). Last reviewed . About the reviewer
Quick answer
Bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant smell on the breath, most often caused by bacteria feeding on food debris, plaque, a coated tongue or gum disease. At Elite Dental Clinic in Hyderabad, the dentist finds the source and treats it, and refers you to a doctor if the cause is not in the mouth.
01 Overview
What causes bad breath and where does it come from?
The American Dental Association lists six main causes. Hundreds of kinds of bacteria live in the mouth and feed on food debris, giving off smelly gases. Dry mouth lets bacteria build up because there is not enough saliva to wash the mouth. Gum disease is a common cause of persistent bad breath. Strong foods such as garlic and onions affect the breath. Smoking dulls taste and irritates the gums. And some medical conditions, including sinus problems, acid reflux, diabetes and liver or kidney disease, can be involved.1
Within the mouth, the commonest sources are a coating on the back of the tongue, plaque and tartar on the teeth, and infected gum pockets, see gum disease treatment and gingivitis treatment. Decayed teeth, a trapped wisdom tooth, an abscess and dentures that are not cleaned can add to it.
Outside the mouth, the nose, throat, tonsils and stomach are less common sources. If a dentist finds the mouth healthy, the ADA advises that you may be referred to your doctor.1
Many people cannot tell if their own breath smells, so a trusted person or a dentist may be a better judge. Some people think they have bad breath when they do not, and some have it and do not know.
In short, bad breath mostly starts in the mouth, and treating the source works better than masking it.
Tooth decay that has reached the nerve, or food trapped in a cavity, can also give a lasting odour, so the dentist checks every tooth as well as the gums.
02 Candidacy
When should I see a dentist about bad breath in Kondapur?
Bad breath that clears after brushing and a drink of water is usually food or a dry mouth. Some patterns need a visit. The two lists below describe the general pattern.
See a dentist if
- Bad breath that lasts despite careful brushing and cleaning between the teeth
- Gums that bleed, swell or feel tender, or a bad taste in the mouth
- A dry mouth, or breath that is worse in the morning and does not improve
- Teeth that are decayed, broken or partly covered by gum
Needs a doctor as well
- Breath with a fruity smell in someone with diabetes, which needs urgent medical advice
- Persistent bad breath with a healthy mouth, which may come from the nose, throat or stomach
- Bad breath with fever, a sore throat or nasal discharge that does not go
- Bad breath with weight loss, tiredness or other symptoms
Bad breath that does not clear with good cleaning needs a dental check, and a healthy mouth with persistent odour may need a doctor.
03 Options
What treatment helps bad breath in Kondapur?
Treatment follows the source. The dentist explains which of the following apply to you.
Professional cleaning for plaque, tartar and tongue coating
A cleaning removes plaque and tartar, which hold the bacteria that cause the smell, see teeth cleaning. You are shown how to clean the tongue and between the teeth, which are the places most often missed.
One visit
Treating gum disease and decay behind bad breath
If gum pockets, decay, an abscess or a trapped wisdom tooth are the source, they are treated, see periodontal treatment, dental fillings, root canal treatment and wisdom tooth removal.
As needed
Managing dry mouth and other causes of halitosis
If dry mouth is the cause, sipping water, chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva and reviewing medicines help.1 An over-the-counter mouthwash gives only temporary relief.1 Smoking is a cause, and stopping helps. If a medical cause is suspected, the dentist writes to your doctor.
Ongoing
Dentures and braces can trap plaque, see dentures and braces treatment for care. For gum swelling, see swollen gums.
| Compared on | Mouth-related bad breath | Bad breath from elsewhere |
|---|---|---|
| Typical source | Tongue, plaque, gums, decay | Nose, throat, stomach, general illness |
| Signs | Bleeding gums, coated tongue | Healthy mouth, other symptoms |
| Who treats it | Dentist | Doctor, after a dental check |
| How common | Most cases | Less common |
Most bad breath is treated in the mouth, and a healthy mouth points to a doctor.
04 Procedure
How is bad breath assessed and treated, step by step?
The aim is to find the source. The steps below are what usually happens.
Find the source, remove it, teach daily care and review.
History of the bad breath and your habits
The dentist asks when the bad breath occurs, how you clean your teeth and tongue, what you eat and drink, whether you smoke, and about dry mouth, medicines and general health.
Examining the teeth, gums and tongue for the source of the halitosis
The teeth are checked for decay and broken fillings, the gums are measured for pockets, the back of the tongue is looked at for coating, and dentures and braces are checked for plaque. An X-ray may be taken.
Removing plaque, tartar and tongue coating
Plaque and tartar are removed, see teeth cleaning, and you are shown how to clean the tongue gently with a scraper or a soft brush.
Treating gum disease, decay or infected teeth
Gum pockets are treated, see gingivitis treatment, cavities filled, and a trapped wisdom tooth or an infected tooth treated or removed, see tooth extraction.
Advice on dry mouth, diet and habits
You are advised to sip water, chew sugar-free gum, cut down on smoking and strong food, and clean dentures overnight. Medicines that dry the mouth may be discussed with your doctor.
Referring to a doctor and reviewing the breath
If the mouth is healthy and the breath is still bad, you are advised to see your doctor. A review checks that the breath has improved.
05 Cost
What decides the cost of treating bad breath in Kondapur, Hyderabad?
Treatment is planned for one person, not sold as a product, so the cost follows your evaluation.
The source differs between people, so Elite Dental Clinic does not quote a cost before an examination. You receive a written plan that lists each stage before any treatment starts.
What the evaluation looks at
- The cause: plaque, gum disease, decay or something else
- Whether a cleaning is enough or deep cleaning is needed
- Whether teeth need fillings, root canals or removal
- Whether X-rays are needed
What you decide with the dentist
- Treatment of dry mouth or denture problems
- The number of review visits
- Referral to a doctor
Your habits matter too, including how you clean the tongue and between the teeth and whether you smoke.
The cost follows the plan, and the plan follows the evaluation.
06 Aftercare
What can I do at home about bad breath?
Daily habits do most of the work. The steps below help to keep breath fresh.
Brush, clean between the teeth and clean the tongue
Brush twice a day for two minutes and clean between the teeth daily, as the ADA advises.1 Gently clean the back of the tongue with a tongue scraper or a soft brush, because the coating holds the bacteria.
Keep the mouth moist
Sip water through the day, eat foods that need chewing and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva.1 Breathe through the nose where you can, and tell your doctor if a medicine dries your mouth.
Clean dentures and braces
Take dentures out at night and clean them thoroughly. With braces, clean around each bracket after meals, because trapped food is a source of smell.
Be sensible with mouthwash and habits
A mouthwash gives only temporary relief.1 Stopping smoking helps, and so does cutting down on strong-smelling foods. See the dentist for regular check-ups.
When to call us
See a doctor promptly if bad breath has a fruity or chemical smell and you have diabetes, if you also have fever, a sore throat that persists, weight loss or severe tiredness. If swelling spreads to the face or neck, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Brushing, cleaning between the teeth and the tongue, and keeping the mouth moist keep the breath fresh.
07 Limits
What are the limits of treating bad breath?
Bad breath is usually treatable, but it can return, and a dentist cannot treat every cause.
- A mouthwash only covers the smell for a while and does not remove the source.1
- Bad breath from the nose, throat, stomach or a general illness needs a doctor.
- Gum disease and dry mouth are long-term and need ongoing care.
- Breath can return if cleaning slips or if a dry mouth, smoking or diet continues.
- Some people continue to worry about bad breath that others cannot detect, and may need reassurance and support.
For bleeding gums that come with bad breath, see bleeding gums treatment. For fluoride protection of teeth in a dry mouth, see fluoride treatment.
Risks and complications
The risks of treatment are small: soreness after a deep cleaning, tooth sensitivity as the gums settle and, rarely, a reaction to a mouthwash ingredient. Some antiseptic mouthwashes can stain teeth or alter taste if used for long.
The larger risk is masking the problem. Bad breath from gum disease or an infected tooth gets worse if only a mouthwash is used, and gum disease can damage the bone around the teeth.
Results vary between people, and no one can promise that bad breath will never return.
Treatment is low risk, and the main danger is covering up a problem that needs treating.
08 Your visit
What happens at your first bad breath appointment in Kondapur?
At the first visit the dentist asks about your breath, your habits and your health, and examines your teeth, gums, tongue and any dentures. You are told where the smell is likely to come from and what to do. A cleaning is often done the same day. You receive a written plan that lists each stage before any treatment starts.
Tell the dentist about dry mouth, medicines, smoking, diet, reflux, sinus problems and diabetes. If you can, avoid strong food on the day and do not use mouthwash for a few hours before the visit.
The team speaks English, Telugu and Hindi. You are under no obligation to go ahead with treatment.
The first visit finds the likely source and often starts treatment the same day.
09 Why this clinic
Why choose Elite Dental Clinic for bad breath in Kondapur?
Medical reviewer of this page
Dr. Revathi Indukuri
BDS, MDS (Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics)
BDS, Sree Sai Dental College Research Institute, 2009
MDS, Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, Andhra Pradesh, 2016
Bad breath is common, and it is rarely a sign of anything serious. In most people it starts in the mouth, from plaque, a coated tongue, gum disease or a dry mouth, and a mouthwash only covers it up for a while. I look for the source, because once the source is dealt with, the breath usually improves.
Dr. Revathi Indukuri
Dr. Revathi Indukuri reviewed this page as a dentist at the clinic. Her MDS in conservative dentistry and endodontics covers decayed and infected teeth, which are one source of bad breath. The clinic's team board lists a periodontist, who treats gum disease, another common source.
The source is looked for
The teeth, gums, tongue and dentures are all checked, instead of only prescribing a mouthwash.
A periodontist on the team
The team board lists a periodontist, so gum disease behind bad breath can be treated in the same clinic.
A written plan before treatment
You receive a written plan before any treatment starts, so you know what is being done.
Honest about medical causes
If the mouth is healthy and the breath is still bad, you are told to see your doctor.
The source looked for, a periodontist and honesty about medical causes are what this clinic stands behind.
10 Reviews
Patient reviews of Elite Dental Clinic in Kondapur
Recent patient reviews of Elite Dental Clinic
“Very excellent service provided and dr Revathi mam was very kind and done too professional service..towards patient.. I am very happy that I got to know about elite dental clinic”
“Very good treatment and I had an excellent experience at this dental hospital.”
11 Visit us
Dentist in Kondapur, Hyderabad: location, hours and access
Elite Dental Clinic
2nd floor, Artham's Arcade, above Vijaya Diagnostics
Kondapur, Raghavendra Colony, Gachibowli
Hyderabad, Telangana 500084
070320 78789
Kondapur, Raghavendra Colony, Gachibowli
Hyderabad, Telangana 500084
070320 78789
| Monday to Sunday | 9:00 am to 9:00 pm |
|---|
The clinic is on the second floor of Artham's Arcade, above Vijaya Diagnostics, in Raghavendra Colony.
Patients looking for halitosis treatment in Kondapur will find the clinic above Vijaya Diagnostics in Artham's Arcade, Raghavendra Colony. Bad breath treatment in Kondapur starts with a check of the teeth, gums and tongue. Languages spoken: English, Telugu and Hindi. More about the clinic: dentist in Kondapur.
The clinic is on the second floor above Vijaya Diagnostics and is open every day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
12 Travelling patients
Bad breath in Hyderabad for visitors and people from other cities and countries
If you are worried about bad breath while visiting or after moving to Hyderabad, connect with the clinic on WhatsApp or by phone, and the team will help find a time. A check and cleaning can be done in one visit.
Ask the team for a short note on the likely source and the steps you should keep up at home, and on whether a doctor's opinion would help, so you can arrange it where you live.
Ask for your records, X-rays and a written summary before you leave. The clinic is open every day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, and the team speaks English, Hindi and Telugu.
Plan the visits before you travel, and take your records home.
13 Questions
Bad breath questions from patients in Kondapur
What causes bad breath?
Most often bacteria in the mouth feeding on food debris, plaque and a coated tongue. Other causes include dry mouth, gum disease, strong foods, smoking, and, less often, sinus problems, acid reflux, diabetes and liver or kidney disease.
Does mouthwash get rid of bad breath?
No. An over-the-counter mouthwash gives only temporary relief by masking or reducing the smell for a while. The source, such as plaque, gum disease or a coated tongue, has to be treated for the breath to stay fresh.
Why is my breath bad even though I brush?
Brushing misses the spaces between the teeth and the back of the tongue, where bacteria collect. Gum disease, decay, a dry mouth, smoking and some foods can also cause it. A dentist can find which applies to you.
Can gum disease cause bad breath?
Yes. Persistent bad breath can be a sign of gum disease, because bacteria collect in the gum pockets and give off smelly gases. Treatment of the gums usually improves the breath.
Should I clean my tongue?
Yes. The back of the tongue holds a coating of bacteria and food debris that is a common source of the smell. Clean it gently once or twice a day with a tongue scraper or a soft brush, and do not scrape hard.
Can bad breath come from the stomach?
Occasionally, in conditions such as acid reflux, but most bad breath starts in the mouth. If the dentist finds the mouth healthy, you may be referred to a doctor for sinus, throat or stomach causes.
How is the cost of treating bad breath decided?
The cost is given after the examination. The source, whether a cleaning or deeper treatment is needed, any fillings or other dental work, and the reviews all change the plan. You receive a written plan before treatment starts.
Why is my breath worse in the morning?
Saliva flow drops during sleep, so bacteria multiply and gases build up. Mouth breathing and a dry mouth make it worse. Brushing, cleaning the tongue and drinking water in the morning usually helps, and persistent morning breath is worth a dental check.
14 Second opinion
Worried about your breath?
Book a check-up and the dentist will look for the source, treat what can be treated and tell you if a doctor should look too. Call or send a WhatsApp message to book. The visit is the first step, and you are under no obligation to go ahead with treatment.
15 Related
Treatments often considered for bad breath
Teeth cleaning
Removes the plaque and tartar that hold smelly bacteria.
Gum disease treatment
Treats a common source of persistent bad breath.
Periodontal treatment
Deep cleaning for infected gum pockets that cause odour.
Sources
- Bad breath (Mouth Healthy), American Dental Association
- Gum disease, NHS
- Cavities (Mouth Healthy), American Dental Association
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination, and results vary between patients.