Bad Breath & Halitosis Treatment

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About Bad Breath

If you’re one of the many people who suffer from bad breath, also known as halitosis, you know how embarrassing and frustrating it can be. Bad breath can be caused by several factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods, and even some medical conditions. The good news is that there are many things you can do to freshen your breath and prevent bad breath from happening in the first place. 

Why Use Optismile to Fix Your Halitosis

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Amazing Staff

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Done Correctly the First Time

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The Latest Dental Tech

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Usual & Customary Fees

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Keep It Natural

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A Central Location

What Clients Are Saying About OptiSmile

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Gareth Van W.
1 day ago
Amazing service and expertise
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gregory G.
6 days ago
Excellent professional and friendly service
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Claris A.
1 week ago
A very welcome place, clean environment and good results for good smile 😃.
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Tatenda G.
1 month ago
My 2 year old got injured on his front teeth during the festive season and there were not alot of paedi-dentist on-call. Struggled to find anyone available until I bumped into optismile website and contacted Dr. Yudelman. He was very hands on with giving us referrals and assisting with what we need to do in the mean time as we looked for someone available. I am forever grateful for him taking his time and always following up on us. Thank you so much Doc, God bless.
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Hans V.
1 month ago
Juanette takes time to explains what need to be done. She proposes crowns but also respect patients who choose for repair of fillings. I like that approach. I am in the dentists hands but can make my own choice! This was my 3rd visit and I will ask next time for her again.
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Eden A.
1 month ago
I had the opportunity to spend time at OptiSmile as a dental student visiting from the United States, and I can confidently say it was one of the best shadowing experiences I’ve had. Although I was not a patient, Dr. Yudelman and the entire staff were incredibly kind, welcoming, and professional from the moment I arrived. Dr. Yudelman went out of his way to make me feel included and truly immersed in the practice, taking the time to show me everything they had going on and allowing me to observe different aspects of the clinic. What stood out most was how intentional he was about teaching and sharing his knowledge. It was clear that he genuinely cares about mentorship and creating a positive learning environment. The entire team also contributed to making the experience so comfortable and enjoyable. On top of that, the office itself is absolutely beautiful—modern, well-organized, and very patient-centered. I’m very grateful for the experience and would highly recommend OptiSmile, both for patients and for students seeking meaningful exposure to dentistry.
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Elsabe van H.
2 months ago
Highly recommend! I've been a patient with Dr Cara for almost 1.5 years and have been consistently impressed with the excellent service and friendly care. The dentists and all the admin staff are knowledgeable and professional! A top-notch dental experience!
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johannes P.
2 months ago
Had an outstanding experience. Dr. Harris and Dr. Clifford were incredibly friendly and professional throughout. My teeth were slightly angled inward, so they treated it with a short course of Invisalign, followed by bleaching and bonding. The final result lools brilliant. So happy woth my new Smile.
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Adrian E.
2 months ago
Professional,honest care.
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Martin F.
2 months ago
Dr. Cara and the Optismile team is simply the best dental experience I’ve had; including having lived in London and NYC for most of my adult life. The Optismile service is second to none and Dr. Cara’s clinical advice and work, great. I had multiple complicated dental issues, all of which were solved painlessly, quickly and efficiently. The consulting rooms are awesome as are the support team, billing process and very easy parking/access. March 2026. Update. Just visited Cape Town from NYC in order to be cleaned and checked up by Dr. Cara. I would only switch to another dentist if she was proven dead. Please don’t die Dr. Cara. Optismile is amazing because of you.
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Alex B.
2 months ago
Without a doubt, the best dental practice. I initially came for an Invisalign consult and Dr Clifford gave me excellent advice about the pros and cons for my situation. Since then, I will only come here for my dental work. Dr Cara has become my regular dentist and I’ve never had such confidence in the state of my teeth. She is meticulous and takes exceptional pride in her work. Professional, friendly and always on time. They’ve done an outstanding job on a tricky front tooth veneer and addressed all my concerns. Similarly, the front desk are welcoming, responsive and always ‘on it.’ Your teeth are an investment and this is the place to do it.
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Roast C.
3 months ago
Cannot thank Optismile enough. I've lived with a chipped tooth since my early teens, have had two dental visits in my life (before now), I'm now middle aged and can now remember how I looked (bar the couple decades😉) without a chipped tooth. Got my chipped tooth sorted, full clean and polish. Everything about the experience (not dental appointment/visit, "experience") was world class. From the location( sea views👌🏻), the tour of the practice (in a league of its own), the tech (again world class and in a league of its own) and most importantly the people (your good vibes kept me upbeat for the rest of the day😄). I left with an even bigger better smile, more informed, super super grateful and dumb founded at how a dental appointment could be an "experience". Super pleasant experience, thanks again.
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David S.
3 months ago
Amazing experience yesterday. Tremendous care and time given to my Teeth Whitening. His service was truly amazing given in very professional surroundings.
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Anthony P.
3 months ago
I had to have an urgent cosmetic repair before leaving South Africa and I cannot speak more highly of the professionalism of everyone at the Optismile clinic! Truly world-class communication, diagnostics and dental work -- my smile is back and I couldn't be more thankful! Truly world class Dr. Clifford -- thank you so much!
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Chelsea
3 months ago
Many thanks to Dr. Ruan and his team for a wonderful check up appointment and crown replacement. The office is state of the art. I have decades of dental visits under my belt and this was by far the most thorough and thoughtful. It’s so comforting to have every step explained in detail. HIGHLY recommend.
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Ladina R.
3 months ago
Mein Freund und ich sind aus der Schweiz und waren im Dezember bei Dr. Clifford in Kapstadt in Behandlung. Wir waren äusserst zufrieden. Die Praxis ist sehr modern, hervorragend ausgestattet und extrem hygienisch. Man fühlt sich vom ersten Moment an gut aufgehoben und professionell betreut. Dr. Clifford und das Team waren freundlich, kompetent und haben sich viel Zeit genommen. Wir können die Praxis uneingeschränkt weiterempfehlen! Vielen Dank, wir werden wieder kommen☺️
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Kieran B.
4 months ago
Easily the best dentist in Cape Town. The practice, people and overall experience was superb.
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Andrew S.
4 months ago
Many thanks to Dr Clifford and the team at Optismile in Seapoint for giving me a truly five star experience from start to finish. I landed at Cape Town airport with tooth pain, and was seen promptly, with treatment the next day. Everything was delivered with compassion and gentleness, and backed up with the highest level of technology and expertise - and I say this as a dentist myself! I would highly recommend OptiSmile for all your dental needs, both as a visitor or a local.
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Carol M.
4 months ago
Fabulous experience at OptiSmile, would fully recommend. I will return
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Carolyn
5 months ago
Dr Ruan was exceptionally kind and made the entire experience of extraction/implant/bridge as easy as it possibly could have been
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Anastacia S.
5 months ago
I’m incredibly grateful to OptiSmile and Dr. Harris for giving me the smile I’ve always dreamed of. My teeth were in such difficult condition that several orthodontists with braces didn’t even want to take me as a patient — but Dr. Harris saw potential where others didn’t. In just a little over a year, he transformed my smile to absolute perfection. His skill, care, and attention to detail are unmatched. I couldn’t have asked for a better doctor and a better clinic. If you’re looking for the best place to change your smile and your confidence, OptiSmile is the one. Truly life-changing!
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Familie B.
5 months ago
We come to Cape Town every year, and a dental check-up and cleaning for the whole family is always a fixed appointment on our calendar. The entire staff is warm, welcoming, and efficient, and it truly shows how much they care about their patients. They operate at the highest standards, utilizing the latest technology and modern methods, which gives us great confidence in their care. Booking and communication via WhatsApp are incredibly easy and seamless. The experience feels almost like a spa treatment! They really take their time and never suggest any unnecessary procedures. We are already looking forward to our next visit. If you’re looking for a dentist who genuinely cares, go to OptiSmile.
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Julian B.
5 months ago
I came to Optismile during my stay in Capetown as one of my tooth broke out. The service was top notch. Everybody working there is an absolute Professional, which is also felt in the quality of work that my dentist Cara has done on my teeth. I can recommend also the teeth whitening there - definitely gave me 2-3 shades lighter teeth in one go.
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Joan B.
6 months ago
Top kliniek. Vriendelijk en zeer deskundig personeel. Nieuwste en meest geavanceerde apparatuur. Een aanrader wat mij betreft. Ik kan weer breeduit lachen.
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Janine L.
6 months ago
Dr Clifford is an amazing attentive dentist. His attention to detail, and the willingness to tell u what he is doing step by step in your mouth whilist he is working is reassuring and very calming.

Breath So Bad It Could Wake The Dead

Halitosis can be embarrassing and, in some cases, may even cause anxiety. It’s no wonder store shelves overflow with gum, mints, mouthwashes and other products designed to fight bad breath. But many of these products are only temporary measures because they don’t address the cause of the problem. In many cases, you can improve your dental hygiene with consistent routines in looking after your teeth and gums. If simple self-care techniques don’t solve the problem, see your dentist to be sure a more serious condition isn’t causing your bad breath. 

Is Halitosis Impacting Your Life?

1. Do You Avoid Conversation Because of Your Bad Breath?

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No one likes to be in a situation where they feel like they have bad breath. You may have noticed that you have bad breath after eating certain foods or when you haven’t brushed your teeth in a while. Whatever the reason, it can be embarrassing and make you avoid conversation. 

2. Does Your Halitosis Impact Your Self-esteem?

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Halitosis, or bad breath, is a common problem that can significantly impact your self-esteem. Having bad breath in social situations can be embarrassing and make you feel less confident and attractive. 

3. Is Your Lousy Breath Causing Issues in Your Relationships?

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Halitosis can be a major turnoff for your romantic partner. Studies have shown that bad breath is one of the biggest factors in determining whether or not someone will be attracted to you. And it’s not just because it’s unpleasant to smell. When we encounter someone with bad breath, we unconsciously assume they are unhealthy and probably have poor hygiene habits. Bad breath can be a major obstacle to intimacy in a romantic relationship. It’s hard to kiss someone while holding your breath, and it’s even harder to cuddle when trying not to breathe in their direction. 

Halitosis and Gum Disease

Halitosis can be one of the early signs of gum disease, as this is also caused by a build-up of plaque bacteria along the gum line that may be responsible for bad breath. If it’s not removed, plaque can cause bleeding and swollen gums, the symptoms of gingivitis. Left untreated, this could lead to more serious gum disease. If you have any concerns about bleeding gums, book an appointment with OptiSmile immediately. 

Bad Breath & Halitosis FAQs

Take a look at our most common questions about Halitosis. If you have any further queries, be sure to ask.

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by several factors. Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes, as it allows bacteria to build up on the teeth and tongue. This can lead to an unpleasant smell. Another common cause of bad breath is dry mouth, which allows bacteria to thrive. Smoking and certain foods can also contribute to bad breath. However, in some cases, bad breath may signify a more severe condition, such as gum disease or a sinus infection. Talk to your dentist if you are concerned about your breath. They will be able to identify the cause and recommend treatment. 

Anyone who has ever had a rotten tooth knows that the pain can be excruciating. But did you know that a rotten tooth can also cause bad breath? When a tooth decays, it creates a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. These bacteria produce sulfur compounds, which are responsible for bad breath. In addition, the decay itself can release an unpleasant odour. If you suspect you have a rotten tooth, you must see a dentist as soon as possible. Not only will they relieve your pain, but they will also be able to treat the underlying infection and help you get your breath back to normal. 

There are many home remedies for bad breath; one of the most popular is apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is believed to work by restoring the pH balance in the mouth, which can help kill odour-causing bacteria. It also contains acetic acid, which has antibacterial properties. To use apple cider vinegar for bad breath, mix one tablespoon with a cup of water and gargle before spitting it out. You can do this several times a day. Some people find that their bad breath improves after using apple cider vinegar for a few days. Do not use it for extended periods because vinegar is acetic acid and can cause sensitive teeth and dental erosion, where your teeth melt away over time. . If your bad breath is not helped by apple cider vinegar, it’s best to visit a dentist. 

Everyone knows that certain foods can cause bad breath. For instance, garlic and onions are notorious for lingering unpleasant odours in the mouth. However, other foods can also cause bad breath, even though they might not be as obvious. For example, spicy food can irritate the mouth and throat, leading to inflammation and increased bacteria. Likewise, sugary foods can promote the growth of bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Lastly, certain fish contain oils that can also contribute to bad breath. Avoid offending others with your breath by avoiding these foods altogether. However, if you eat them, brush your teeth afterwards to help remove any odours or chew some sugar-free gum with Xylitol. 

  1. First, try licking the inside of your wrist and smelling it. If it smells bad, then you probably have bad breath.
  2. Another way to check is to floss your teeth and then smell the floss. If it smells bad, then you likely have bad breath.
  3. Finally, try using a cotton swab to brush the top of your tongue. If the cotton swab smells bad after being brushed on your tongue, then you probably have bad breath.

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