Are Your Patients Complaining of Bad Breath? Check Their Retainer

In our specialized report, HALITOSIS: Being Part of the Cure, we explained to dentists that an estimated 25 million Americans suffer from chronic halitosis. In a majority of cases, the cause is intra-oral, which means that you can be an agent of change for a patient who may feel extremely embarrassed or self-conscious about this condition.

In our report, we discuss the many different types of intra-oral causes of halitosis. By far, the most common cause is improper oral hygiene. Patients simply aren’t brushing and flossing properly or enough.  Often, a patient who has trouble regularly brushing and flossing their teeth also doesn’t take care to properly clean their retainer. If a retainer isn’t cleaned each day and disinfected at least once a week, it may become a breeding ground for bacteria. Not only is this unhealthy, it can also contribute to (or even cause) a patient’s halitosis. What’s more, If a patient discovers that their retainer is causing their stinky breath, they may stop using it altogether.

When working with a patient to identify the cause of halitosis, be sure to ask about their retainer cleaning habits as well. If the answer isn’t ideal, explain the important of daily cleaning and regular disinfection.