Understanding the Cost of Professional Bad Breath Treatments
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be an embarrassing issue. While breath mints and gum offer quick fixes, they don’t address the root cause.
Professional treatment is often the best way to tackle persistent bad breath, but understanding the cost can feel overwhelming. In this blog, we’ll discuss the factors affecting the price of professional bad breath treatment.
What Affects the Cost of Bad Breath Treatment?
Initial Dental Consultation: Every treatment starts with an initial dental check-up. The dentist will examine your mouth to know the cause of your bad breath. Whether it's gum disease, cavities, or dry mouth, identifying the problem is essential. The consultation is crucial because it sets the foundation for your treatment plan. The complexity of this checkup and any necessary diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, can influence the cost.
Professional Teeth Cleaning (Scaling and Polishing): If the bad breath is caused by plaque buildup or gum disease, you’ll likely need a professional cleaning. This procedure, called scaling and root planing, involves deep cleaning below the gumline to remove bacteria and tartar. The extent of gum disease and the number of affected areas in your mouth will determine the length and complexity of the cleaning, which can increase the cost.
Specialized Treatments for Gum Disease: Additional procedures such as antibiotic therapy or other gum treatments may be required for issues where bad breath is due to advanced gum disease. Gum disease treatments are more involved than standard cleanings, requiring more appointments and specialized techniques, which will also impact the overall price.
Treatment for Tooth Decay or Infections: If tooth decay or an infection is the cause of bad breath, you may need dental procedures like fillings, root canal treatments, or tooth extractions. These procedures directly address the source of the bad breath, but they also require more time and resources from the dentist, leading to higher costs depending on the severity of the problem.
Custom Oral Appliances: If dry mouth or mouth breathing is contributing to your bad breath, the dentist may suggest using an oral appliance to keep your mouth moist or help with breathing issues during sleep. These devices are custom-made, and the level of customization needed for each patient can affect the cost. More complex appliances or those requiring frequent adjustments will increase treatment expenses.
Follow-Up Visits and Maintenance: After the initial treatment, routine follow-up visits may be necessary to ensure the bad breath doesn’t return. These visits might include additional cleanings or checks to monitor your progress. The frequency and duration of these follow-up appointments can contribute to the overall cost, especially if ongoing maintenance is required to keep your oral health in check.
Prescriptions and At-Home Care: Some patients might need prescription mouthwashes, antibiotics, or special toothpaste to control bacterial growth and maintain fresh breath. While these products are typically more affordable than procedures, they still add to the cost, especially if they are required over a long period.
If you’re tired of dealing with persistent bad breath, it may be time to consult a professional. Although the cost of bad breath treatment might seem high, the benefits of fresher breath, better oral health, and increased confidence are well worth it!
Schedule a consultation with our Smile Craft Dental Studio expert for more information about the bad breath treatment.