Before examining your mouth, a dentist familiar with halitosis diagnosis and treatment would thoroughly review your past and current medical history, past dental treatment, at-home care, and oral health history. Even though up to 90% of all bad breath problems are caused by mouth problems, only with a thorough interview can the dentist uncover any hidden causes of halitosis. After the interview is complete, the actual dental exam should take place.

To diagnose and treat halitosis properly, Dr. Miller will use an instrument called a Halimeter, which scientifically measures the volume of sulphur compounds in the breath. As seen here, the Halimeter gives an accurate account as to the severity of bad breath.

Halitosis is intimately related to gum disease. The bacteria that cause bad breath also work in the gum space with inflammation and loss of bone. The terms for this are periodontal disease, pyorrhea, and gum disease.

For proper halitosis diagnosis, the Halimeter must be combined with X-rays and a complete visual examination, since hidden causes such as tooth infections and yeast can only be uncovered in this way.