Bad Breath Treatment London
We’ve all had moments of bad breath, whether first thing in the morning, after coffee, or during a long day without water. But when bad breath becomes persistent, it can start to affect your confidence and daily life.
If you’ve tried mouthwash, chewing gum and even changed your diet, but the smell keeps coming back, there’s likely a deeper issue at play and it usually starts in the mouth.
At Rosslyn Hill Dental Clinic, we help patients treat bad breath by targeting the root cause, not just masking the symptoms. One of the most effective ways we do this is with EMS Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), a modern hygiene treatment that removes the bacteria responsible for chronic bad breath, gently and thoroughly.
What Is Bad Breath (Halitosis)?
Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath that persists beyond occasional triggers like food or dry mouth. It’s often caused by volatile sulphur compounds released by bacteria living in plaque and biofilm.
These bacteria are normal, but when they build up, especially below the gumline or in areas you can’t clean easily they start producing gases that smell unpleasant. This can lead to a constant sour, metallic or sulphurous smell, even when you’re brushing regularly. Bad breath, or halitosis, can happen to anyone but when it lingers, it’s often a sign of something deeper going on in the mouth.
The most common cause is a build-up of bacteria on the teeth, tongue and gums. These bacteria break down food particles and release gases with an unpleasant smell. Often, they collect in places a toothbrush can’t reach, such as between teeth, under the gums, or at the back of the tongue.
Other common causes include:
- Dry mouth (often caused by certain medications or breathing through the mouth)
- Gum disease or early inflammation
- Dental infections or untreated decay
- Poor-fitting dental appliances
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Acid reflux
- Sinus or throat infections (less commonly)
Most cases of bad breath are caused by oral factors and the good news is that they’re treatable. If the smell persists despite brushing and using mouthwash, it’s often a sign that bacteria are sitting beneath the surface and need to be professionally removed.
At Rosslyn Hill Dental Clinic, we treat the root cause of bad breath with Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), a gentle but thorough cleaning treatment that removes bacteria from every part of the mouth, including the gums, tongue and teeth.
If you’re unsure what’s causing your bad breath, the best first step is a dental hygiene consultation. We’ll check for underlying issues and recommend a treatment that actually works.
Why Brushing and Mouthwash Don’t Always Work
Mouthwash might give temporary relief, but it doesn’t reach bacteria below the gums. Chewing gum may freshen your breath for an hour, but it doesn’t remove biofilm. Even thorough brushing can’t get to the hidden areas where bacteria thrive, especially around the back molars, under the gumline, or behind crowded teeth.
That’s why so many people with halitosis feel stuck. You’re doing everything right but the smell keeps returning.
The solution? Professional hygiene treatment that removes bacteria at the source.
Guided Biofilm Therapy: The Most Effective Bad Breath Treatment
At Rosslyn Hill Dental Clinic, we use Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) to treat bad breath properly and help prevent it coming back. This advanced, pain-free hygiene treatment is designed to remove biofilm thoroughly and gently, using Swiss EMS technology.
Unlike traditional scale and polish treatments, which rely on scraping and guesswork, GBT:
Uses a safe coloured dye to show exactly where bacteria are hiding
Removes biofilm and plaque using warm water, air and gentle powder
Cleans deep below the gums and between the teeth
Is comfortable and quiet, no metal instruments or cold sprays
Leaves your mouth feeling truly fresh, clean and smooth
Many patients who’ve had GBT tell us it’s the first time their breath has actually felt clean all day not just for an hour or two.
What Does the GBT Treatment Involve?
Your appointment starts with an assessment of your gums and oral health. Then we apply a harmless dye that makes biofilm and plaque visible, so we (and you) can clearly see where cleaning is needed.
We then use EMS AIRFLOW® technology to remove plaque and bacteria from every surface, including under the gumline, around the tongue and between the teeth. There’s no scraping, no pain and no sensitivity. If there’s any hardened tartar left, we gently remove it with a soft ultrasonic tool. Most treatments take around 30 to 45 minutes, and the results are immediate.
Guided Biofilm Therapy vs Traditional Dental Hygiene Treatment
If you’ve ever had a standard scale and polish, you might remember the scraping, the cold water spray, and the lingering sensitivity that followed. While traditional hygiene treatments do help remove plaque and tartar, they often rely on manual instruments and don’t always reach bacteria below the gumline or around delicate dental work.
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) offers a more modern, evidence-based alternative. It uses smart technology and a structured protocol to remove plaque, biofilm and surface staining gently and thoroughly with no scraping, discomfort or guesswork.
Here’s how the two compare:
How Often Should You Have a Hygiene Clean?
For most patients, a professional hygiene visit every six months is enough to maintain a clean, healthy mouth and keep bad breath under control.
If you’ve had gum disease in the past, wear braces or Invisalign, or have a history of heavy plaque build-up, we may recommend hygiene visits every three to four months for better results.
Suitable for Sensitive Teeth and Nervous Patients
One of the most important benefits of GBT is how comfortable it is. There’s no scraping with metal tools, and the use of warm water helps avoid the discomfort often caused by cold sprays. It’s an excellent choice for patients with gum sensitivity, anxiety about dental treatment, or those who’ve had negative hygiene experiences in the past.
GBT is also completely safe for implants, veneers, crowns and bridges. Because it doesn’t scratch or damage surfaces, it’s ideal for keeping cosmetic work looking its best over time.
Comfort and Experience
Traditional hygiene often involves metal instruments and ultrasonic scalers, which can feel uncomfortable, especially for sensitive teeth or inflamed gums. GBT uses warm water, air and a fine powder to clean the mouth gently, making it ideal for nervous patients or those with sensitivity.
Accuracy and Effectiveness
GBT starts by applying a harmless disclosing gel that shows exactly where biofilm is present allowing us to clean with purpose, not assumption. Traditional hygiene relies more on feel and sight, which may miss build-up below the surface.
Gum and Implant Safety
Scraping tools used in traditional hygiene can cause micro-damage to enamel or irritate soft tissue. GBT is non-abrasive, making it a safer option for patients with implants, veneers, crowns or orthodontic appliances.
Cosmetic Results
While both methods remove surface stains, GBT offers a visibly brighter finish thanks to its polishing effect. Many patients notice whiter teeth after just one session without the use of bleach or harsh abrasives.
Breath and Bacteria Control
Because GBT targets and removes the bacterial biofilm linked to gum disease and bad breath, it offers better long-term protection than a quick polish or surface clean. It’s especially helpful for patients managing halitosis or early gum inflammation.
At Rosslyn Hill Dental Clinic, we offer both hygiene options but Guided Biofilm Therapy is our recommended choice for most patients who want a cleaner, fresher and more comfortable experience.
Book Your Bad Breath Treatment in Hampstead
If you’re looking for a real solution to bad breath, book a Guided Biofilm Therapy appointment at Rosslyn Hill Dental Clinic. We’ll assess your oral health, explain what’s causing the problem, and provide a gentle, effective clean that leaves your breath noticeably fresher.
Halitosis is the clinical term for persistent bad breath. While occasional bad breath is normal after certain foods or in the morning, halitosis refers to a more constant issue that doesn’t go away with brushing or mouthwash.
Most cases of halitosis are caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria produce unpleasant-smelling gases as they break down food particles, especially when they’re trapped between teeth or below the gumline. Gum disease, dry mouth and poor oral hygiene can all make the problem worse.
Bad breath is often caused by bacteria hiding below the gumline or in hard-to-reach areas like the tongue or between teeth. Even with good brushing habits, standard home care may not remove all the biofilm. That’s why a professional clean is often needed to fully treat it.
Not always, but it can be. Gum disease is a common cause of bad breath and can exist without pain or bleeding at first. If you have persistent bad breath, it’s worth having your gums checked by a dentist or hygienist.
GBT targets and removes the bacterial biofilm that causes odours, particularly from places your toothbrush can’t reach. It is a much more thorough and gentle approach than traditional hygiene treatments.
No, GBT is a pain-free treatment. There are no sharp instruments or scraping. Most patients say it’s one of the most comfortable cleans they have ever had.
A standard session usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how much build-up there is. You can return to normal activities straight after your visit.
We usually recommend a hygiene visit every 6 months, but some patients benefit from more frequent visits depending on their oral health. We will advise you on the best schedule for you.
Yes. GBT is safe for patients with dental implants, veneers, crowns, bridges, braces and Invisalign aligners. It removes plaque without damaging your dental work.
In many cases, yes, especially if the main cause is plaque or gum inflammation. Some patients may need a few sessions or additional treatment if gum disease is present, but most notice a big improvement right after their first GBT appointment.
