Gingivitis
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Bad breath or halitosis
Do you think your breath stinks? Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by the foods and drinks you consume, but often behind the smell is a problem that needs the help of a dentist.
Specialist in the article
Vastaava hammaslääkäri
Revised 12/28/2022
Bad breath in a nutshell
- If your breath smells often, please visit your dentist to find out why.
- Bad breath can be caused, for example, by gingivitis, tartar or tooth fillings in poor condition.
- Good home care helps. Remember to clean the interdental spaces and the tongue every day.
What causes bad breath or halitosis?
Do you often breathe in your hand and smell to tell whether it smells bad? A lot of people do the same, and it's no wonder. Smelly breath or fear of it raises concerns and can affect social life – and can be very stressful.
If your breath smells rotten often, think about the condition of your oral hygiene: do you brush your teeth twice a day and also remember to clean the interdental spaces and the tongue? For example, you may have gingivitis or periodontitis in your mouth, which are typical causes of bad breath.
Particularly in young people, the bad smell in the mouth may be caused by a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Food easily accumulates under the gum of a partially erupted tooth, which can cause the bad smell.
In addition to inflammation or periodontitis, bad breath can also be caused by:
- debris on the tongue
- dry mouth
- bad tooth fillings or caries which accumulate leftovers and plaque
- respiratory tract infections
- reflux symptoms
- white bacterial spots on the tonsils (tonsil stones)
The bad smell of a healthy mouth is probably due to food or drink. Coffee, alcohol and heavily flavoured foods can make your breath smell, not to mention garlic! Many smokers also have bad breath.
Bad breath – when should I see a dentist?
If smelly breath is not just an occasional nuisance, you should make an appointment with a dentist. The dentist will check whether the bad smell in the mouth is caused by, for example, gingivitis, tartar or bad tooth fillings.
You can also ask your dentist if your breath smells if you are afraid to ask your loved ones.
You shouldn't avoid going to the dentist because you haven't treated your mouth perfectly and you think your breath smells bad. Treating halitosis is a daily routine for dentists. The most important thing is that you come to the appointment. When you have regular dental check-ups, it is easier to prevent bad breath.
What can I do at home if my breath stinks?
Take care of your teeth more diligently. Your breath will stay fresher like this:
- Remember to brush your teeth twice a day.
- Use fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean your tongue daily with a tongue scraper or toothbrush.
- Remember to clean the spaces between your teeth daily. If your interdental spaces are tricky to clean, your dentist or dental hygienist will advise you on the appropriate means and equipment.
- Drink enough water.
- Have your teeth checked regularly. Your dentist will tell you what a suitable check-up interval is for your mouth.
As of March 15, 2023, the polyclinic fee does not have to be paid after more than five reception visits during the calendar year. After the fifth payment, the polyclinic fee is €0 for visits for the rest of the calendar year.
If you visit our clinic and do not pay for your appointment using the available payment methods, we will send you an invoice for your appointment. The invoicing fee is EUR 5.20.
If the procedure is booked with a specialist dentist, the prices are increased by 30%.
Check out Hammas Mehiläinen's flexible payment methods
Take into account in the price list
The price estimate not include the outpatient clinic fee (€33,90). No Kanta fee is charged for visits to the dentist. The outpatient clinic fee for a dental hygienist visit €19.30. If the procedure is with a specialist dentist,prices will be increased 30%| Service | Price estimate |
|---|---|
| Dental check-up | 54,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 84,00 € |
| Dental check-up for patients with dental fear | 91,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 121,00 € |
| Children and young people dental check-up Prices include the clinic fee (€33.90). Book a dental check-up for children and young people Prices 207,75–239,75 €, without Kela reimbursement 227,90–259,90 € | 207,75 € Without Kela reimbursement 227,90 € |
| Dental X-ray of the teeth and jaws | Mobile Benefit 98,00 € The price with a doctor's referral after Kela compensation is €86. 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 118,00 € |
| Tartar removal 30–45 minute appointment with a dental hygienist. Book an appointment for tartar removal Explore different payment methods Prices 130,00–183,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 138,00–195,00 € | from 130,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 138,00 € |
| Tooth jewellery application The price does not include the price of tooth jewellery. | from 68,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Dental fillings 1–3 surfaces. Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
| Ceramic filling of the tooth 1–3 surfaces. Explore different payment methods Prices 279,00–561,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 279,00–618,00 € | from 279,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 279,00 € |
| Dental ceramic crown Laboratory costs are not included in the price estimate. Explore different payment methods Prices 616,00–798,00 € | from 616,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Chipped tooth Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
| Tooth extraction Explore different payment methods Prices 109,00–732,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 119,00–794,00 € | from 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 119,00 € |
| Tooth whitening Price estimate given at the free consultation appointment. Book an appointment for a free whitening consultation Prices 101,00–455,00 € | from 101,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Whitening consultation appointment Includes an individual price estimate for teeth whitening. Book an appointment for a whitening consultation. | Free No Kela reimbursement |
| Anaesthesia Prices 38,00–39,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 41,00–42,00 € | from 38,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 41,00 € |
| Irrevocable absence Prices 74,00–96,00 € | 74,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Initial assessment of sleep apnea Learn more about sleep apnea and book an appointment (in Finnish) | from 57,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 84,00 € |
| Bite guard Includes clinical work and the bite guard. Prices 638,00–685,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 695,00–742,00 € | 638,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 695,00 € |
Other related services
A dental implant replaces
Specialist dentist consultation and planning of further treatment.
Ceramic CEREC filling
More durable than conventional filling materials and a more aesthetic result.
Ceramic fillings
Modern and aesthetic ways to repair damaged teeth.
Clear aligner treatment with Invisalign aligners
Dentist consultation visit and selection of the Invisalign treatment method.
Cosmetic dental care
Can be used to alter the appearance of teeth and fix functional issues.
Dental X-ray
An important part of oral health care and an effective way to reveal oral diseases that the eye cannot detect.
Dental check-up
Assessment of oral and dental health and recommendations for further treatment.
Dental check-up for children and young people
Specialist dental check-up visit for children and adolescents.
Dental cone beam imaging
Provides highly accurate three-dimensional information on dental and jaw structures.
Dental fear
Non-urgent consultation with a dentist specialized in treating patients with dental anxiety.
Dental fillings
Filling a tooth involves removing decayed tooth tissue and replacing it with a filling material.
Dental hygienist
Provides individual advice for tending to your oral health.
Dental laminates or veneers
Can be used to correct colour defects, straighten individual teeth on the dental arch without orthodontic treatment.
Dental specialists
Are dentists who are specialised in one of the disciplines of dentistry. Specialist dentist consultation.
Dental staining removal
Dental staining removal by a dental hygienist, including soda cleaning.
Dental treatment under general anaesthesia
The most common reason for performing dental treatment under general anaesthesia is dental fear.
Dentist
Performs oral health examinations and treats oral diseases and other problems.
Dentures or false teeth
Assessment and planning of further treatment by a specialist in prosthodontics.
Emergency dental care
Emergency visit for sudden toothache, accident or other acute symptoms.
Laser teeth whitening
A gel is applied to the surface of the teeth and the effect is enhanced by light.
Massage of masticatory muscles
The massage of masticatory muscles alleviates pain in the head and jaw area.
Occlusal splints or mouth guards
Help the teeth muscles relax and protect teeth and dental structures.
Oral surgery
The examination and surgical treatment of the masticatory system and related tissues, diseases, and injuries.
Orthodontic treatment
Specialist dentist consultation to assess the need for orthodontic treatment.
Root canal treatment
The dentist treats an infected pulp of a tooth.
Tartar removal
Removal of tartar performed by a dental hygienist, including soda cleaning.
Teeth whitening
The safest and best teeth whitening is performed by a dental hygienist or dentist.
Tooth extraction
Sometimes, a tooth is in such bad condition that it cannot be saved.
Tooth jewellery application
A dental hygienist applies tooth jewellery safely and durably.
White Spot treatment
Fading or removal of tooth discolorations.
Whitening consultation (free)
The purpose of the consultation is to identify a possible need for treatment.
Wisdom tooth extraction
Wisdom teeth usually cause problems because there is not enough space for them to erupt.
Frequently asked questions about bad breath
Mouthwash can bring relief for a short while. However, it does not help the root causes of bad breath.
If you do not take sufficient care of your oral hygiene, the bacteria of the mouth will produce sulphur compounds. Sulphur compounds cause bad breath, which can really smell a little rotten.
In small children, bad breath may be caused by a so-called milk tongue. Small children often drink a lot of milk, which forms a stinky coating on the surface of the tongue.
