Is Cleava effective for treating halitosis?

Cleava is Not Effective for Treating Halitosis (Bad Breath)

There is no evidence supporting Cleava as an effective treatment for halitosis (bad breath). Based on current guidelines and research, halitosis requires targeted interventions addressing its specific causes rather than unproven commercial products.

Understanding Halitosis

Halitosis (bad breath) is primarily caused by:

• Oral causes (80-90% of cases) 1, 2:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Periodontal disease
  • Tongue coating (particularly the posterior third)
  • Faulty dental restorations
  • Xerostomia (dry mouth)

• Non-oral causes (10-20% of cases) 3, 1, 4:

  • Rhinosinusitis and allergic/non-allergic rhinitis
  • Respiratory tract infections
  • Gastrointestinal disorders (especially GERD)
  • Systemic conditions (hepatic, pancreatic, and nephritic insufficiencies)
  • Certain medications
  • Metabolic disorders

Evidence-Based Management Approaches

1. Oral Hygiene Interventions

• Mechanical cleaning: Regular brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning (especially the posterior third) 1, 2
• Professional dental care: Scaling and root planing to reduce bacterial load 2

2. Antimicrobial Approaches

• Natural products with evidence:
  • Salvadora persica has demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects 5
  • Terminalia chebula has shown antimicrobial, anticariogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties 5
  • Acacia arabica contains compounds with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties 5

3. Addressing Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

• Salivary substitutes and stimulants for symptomatic relief 3
• Hydration improvement and limiting caffeine intake 5
• Systemic sialagogues (cevimeline or pilocarpine) for moderate to severe cases 5

4. Treating Underlying Conditions

• For rhinosinusitis: Appropriate antibiotics for bacterial cases 3
• For allergic rhinitis: Antihistamines and nasal steroids 3
• For GERD: Proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers 5

Why Cleava Is Not Recommended

There is no scientific evidence in any of the reviewed guidelines or research supporting Cleava as an effective treatment for halitosis. The most recent and comprehensive guidelines emphasize addressing the underlying causes of halitosis through proven interventions rather than using products without scientific backing.

Practical Recommendations

1. First-line approach: Improve oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning
2. Consider natural-based oral rinses with proven ingredients like Salvadora persica or Terminalia chebula 5
3. Consult healthcare professionals if halitosis persists despite good oral hygiene, as this may indicate underlying systemic conditions 3
4. Address dry mouth with appropriate hydration and salivary substitutes if present 5, 3

Important Cautions

• Persistent halitosis despite proper oral hygiene may signal underlying medical conditions requiring evaluation 3, 4
• Self-diagnosis and treatment with unproven products may delay proper diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious conditions
• Some natural products may cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals 5

Rather than trying unproven products like Cleava, patients with halitosis should seek proper evaluation to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate evidence-based treatment.