New Laser Treatment, Developed By NYC Doctor, May Cure Chronic Bad Breath

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A new treatment may cure the problem of halitosis, or chronic bad breath.

Dr. Yosef Krespi explained the causes of the stench and his new laser procedure to TV 10-55'ss Katie McGee.

Bad breath is caused by the bonding of bacteria in the mouth, most commonly the tongue, tonsils and sinuses. Krespi explained that the bacteria creates a sort of film, called bio-film, that coats the back surface of the tongue.

"It accumulates and populates there, between the grooves and indentations in the back of the tongue," said Krespi. "It's an opportune organ to breed bacteria."

Sometimes, the film of bacteria can turn tonsil stones, another source of bad breath.

Now, for the 15 percent of the population that suffers from halitosis, Krespi offers some relief.

Originally developed as a treatment for sleep apnea, his laser treatment is effective at eliminating the odor-causing bacteria found in the all areas of the mouth.

"It shaves off the surface of the tonsil, where the bacteria is located within those pockets. So after the pocket is totally open and the stone is clean, we laser the bottom of the tonsil pocket to avoid reoccurrence or reappearance of the stone," Krespi said.

The in-office procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes, with price variations for tongue, sinus and tonsil treatments.

"The healing is very rapid. For the most part, the discomfort goes away after 3-to-4 days" Krespi promised.

Lamont Jones, who suffered from halitosis due to tonsil stones, recently underwent Krespi's procedure as a last resort.

"I always go to the dentist regularly. I floss and brush my teeth after every meal and everything, and I just couldn't understand what the problem was," Jones said.

Krespi is no stranger to cases like Jones', referring to himself as the "last stop" after patients have exhausted all other efforts.

"I didn't feel anything too much. Just a slight little tingle," said Jones of the procedure. "Hopefully I get some relief, and things go back to normal with me."