The Hygienist’s Role in Tackling Oral Malodor

Oral malodor, or halitosis, may seem like a minor concern, but for those affected, it can significantly impact self-esteem and overall quality of life.  As dental hygienists, we are the first line of defense in helping patients overcome oral malodor. Understanding the root causes of bad breath and implementing effective solutions can make a meaningful difference in our patients’ lives.

While oral malodor may originate from a variety of sources — including oral hygiene habits, foods, smoking, and medical conditions — it is caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). These are produced when sulfur-containing peptides and amino acids, found in saliva, gingival crevicular fluid, and other organic substances in the mouth, are broken down by bacteria.

As dental hygienists, we can help diagnose bad breath by several effective in-office methods, including the hand lick test, which involves the patient licking  the back of his or her hand and smelling it after a few seconds. Similarly, a patient can smell the string after flossing or the dental hygienist may swipe the back of the patient’s tongue or the inside of the cheek with a cotton swab and then ask him or her to smell the swab. If the odor is unpleasant, it may indicate the presence of sulfurous compounds or anaerobic bacteria, which may cause oral malodor.

While these chairside methods can help diagnose oral malodor, gas chromatography is a more accurate way to measure the actual levels of VSCs in a patient’s oral cavity. Often used by Dr. Harold Katz, a dentist and bacteriologist trained at the University of California, Los Angeles, gas chro­ma­­to­graphy involves a de­­vice that patients breathe into, which then measures and displays the levels of sulfur compounds. Dr. Katz used this method on his daughter who was experiencing chro­n­ic oral malodor in the early 1990s. It inspired him to investigate the root cause of oral malodor, rather than just masking the bad breath. Dr. Katz learned that sodium chlorite in an alcohol-free formula was an extremely effective solution to oral malodor; not just masking the odor, but eliminating it.

TheraBreath Oral Rinse

Dr. Katz carefully formulated TheraBreath to be alcohol-free, dye-free, and sulfate-free, using only essential ingredients to ensure an effective and pleasant oral rinse. The main ingredient, sodium chlorite, is an oxygen-rich ingredient that neutralizes VSCs and targets the anaerobic bacteria that cause oral malodor (Figure 1). The TheraBreath Fresh Breath formula is clinically proven to reduce bad breath for up to 12 hours, is pH balanced, and has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.

TheraBreath Oral Rinse is an excellent option to recommend to all patients, especially those experiencing oral malodor. Dental hygienists are well-equipped to  identify and address oral malodor by offering patients a simple solution to help them regain confidence while improving their overall oral health.

TheraBreath
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800-447-6666

From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. May/June 2025; 23(3):27.