To some the phrase "bad breath clinic" might evoke visions of a remote hospital where you check in for two weeks and do strange exercises during the day while meeting with your support group at night, something like rehab for your halitosis! In reality, a bad breath clinic simply refers to a regular program of treatment for your halitosis, whether at your doctor's office or out of a nearby hospital. It's not as embarrassing as you might think, and many have benefited greatly from such a treatment routine.

Why a Bad Breath Clinic?
Bad breath is usually caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the mouth, however, getting to the roots of why those bacteria are there and why they're not being washed away effectively is the real key to conquering bad breath once and for all. By taking part in a bad breath clinic, your doctor is able to run the appropriate tests to find out where the bacteria are coming from. As an example, sometimes digestive disorders or problems in the stomach can actually cause bad breath. Acid reflux sufferers, when the stomach acids regurgitate back up into the esophagus, typically have bad breath because that stomach acid also contains food particles and other such substances.

How a Bad Breath Clinic Works
In order to find out the cause of those extra bacteria, a doctor will take samples of the inside of your mouth and your tongue. He or she may also take a blood sample to see if you have excessive bacteria that is not being cleaned away by the liver. Many bad breath clinics also have special machines that can actually break down the saliva and separate the bacteria contained in it, being able to differentiate between surface bacteria (that which is present in the mouth or on the tongue) and internal bacteria, such as from your digestive tract.

A complete oral exam is also necessary, as problems with your tonsils or sinuses can also be causing your halitosis.

If you have chronic halitosis and are concerned about it, you would do well to investigate a nearby bad breath clinic. Your dentist may have such a facility or may be able to recommend one at a nearby doctor's office or hospital. You don't need to live with bad breath if you simply speak up and ask for his or her assistance.