Bad Breath Treatment London | Halitosis Cure | South Kensington

Understanding Bad Breath: More Than Just a Social Concern

Halitosis—the clinical term for chronic bad breath—is one of the most common yet least discussed dental concerns. It affects an estimated 25% of the global population to some degree, and in our South Kensington practice, we treat patients from all walks of life who have struggled with this condition for years, often in silence.

The social and psychological impact of bad breath should not be underestimated. It affects professional interactions, intimate relationships, and self-confidence. Many patients report avoiding close conversations, covering their mouths when speaking, or using excessive amounts of mouthwash and mints—temporary solutions that often mask rather than resolve the underlying problem.

At Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, we approach halitosis as a medical condition requiring proper diagnosis and targeted treatment. Bad breath is almost always a symptom of an underlying issue, and our role is to identify and address that root cause—not simply to mask it.

The Science of Oral Malodour

To understand how to treat bad breath effectively, one must first understand its origins. The primary cause of halitosis in approximately 85-90% of cases originates within the oral cavity itself. The culprits are volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs)—particularly hydrogen sulphide and methyl mercaptan—produced by anaerobic bacteria as they break down proteins in the mouth.

These bacteria thrive in specific environments:

Common Causes of Bad Breath

Our Diagnostic Approach

At Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, we do not guess at the cause of your bad breath—we investigate it systematically. Our halitosis assessment protocol includes:

Treatment Protocols

Once we have identified the cause (or causes) of your halitosis, we develop a targeted treatment plan. This may include one or more of the following interventions:

Professional Hygiene Therapy

Our dental hygiene service is the foundation of halitosis treatment. Starting at just £49, our skilled hygienists remove plaque, calculus, and bacterial biofilm from all tooth surfaces. For enhanced results, our AirFlow™ treatment (+£52) uses a warm jet of water and fine erythritol powder to reach areas that conventional scaling cannot.

Periodontal Treatment

For patients with gum disease, our periodontal care programme provides deep cleaning below the gum line, removing the bacterial colonies that cause both gum disease and halitosis. Treatment starts from £425 and includes ongoing maintenance to ensure lasting results.

Restorative Dentistry

If decayed teeth, failing restorations, or gaps between teeth are contributing to your bad breath, we provide comprehensive restorative solutions:

• White Fillings from £195 – to treat cavities and replace old, leaking amalgam fillings
• Dental Crowns from £995 – to restore severely damaged teeth
• Dental Bridges from £2,500 – to replace missing teeth that create food traps
• Dental Implants from £2,800 – the gold standard for replacing missing teeth

Home Care Optimisation

We provide personalised instruction on:

• Proper brushing technique (modified Bass technique)
• Interdental cleaning with floss or interdental brushes
• Tongue cleaning—the single most effective home measure for reducing halitosis
• Appropriate mouthwash selection (alcohol-free formulations to avoid dry mouth)
• Hydration strategies to maintain healthy saliva flow

Why Mouthwash Alone Doesn't Work

Many patients arrive at our practice having spent considerable money on mouthwashes, breath sprays, and mints. While these products can temporarily mask odour, they do not address the underlying cause. In fact, alcohol-based mouthwashes can actually worsen halitosis by drying out the mouth and reducing saliva flow.

True resolution of halitosis requires:

• Professional diagnosis to identify the source
• Removal of bacterial reservoirs through professional cleaning
• Treatment of underlying conditions (gum disease, decay, dry mouth)
• Optimised home care routine
• Regular maintenance to prevent recurrence

Clinical Governance & Trust

Your treatment is delivered within a framework of the highest clinical standards. Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic is:

Frequently Asked Questions

Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic
20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 3DL