Introduction

Halitosis is a general term used to describe an unpleasant or offensive odour emanating from the oral cavity.  Although several non-oral sites have been related to oral malodour, including the upper and lower respiratory tracts, the gastrointestinal tract, and some diseases involving the kidneys or the liver, it is thought that around 90% of all bad breath odours emanate from the mouth itself.^1,2  Oral halitosis is the specific term used to define halitosis with an origin within the oral cavity.

Oral halitosis is a very common problem in dental patients.  In fact, most adult subjects have socially unacceptable bad breath when waking up in the morning.  This problem is transitory and attributed to physiologic causes such as reduced saliva flow during sleep.  Although these transitory problems are easily controlled, persistent bad breath may be indicative either of oral diseases (i.e., periodontal diseases, the presence of bacterial reservoirs in the mouth) or indicative of systemic diseases (i.e., hiatus hernia, hepatic cirrhosis, or diabetes mellitus).  Due to the importance of social interactions in contemporary society, the population in the western countries is becoming more concerned and paying more attention to this problem.  This has been reflected in the results of a telephone survey carried out in the United States where 60% of American women and 50% of American men referred to using cosmetic breath-freshening products.³

However, in spite of this general concern and the possible pathological implications of halitosis, health professionals, including dental professionals, generally lack adequate training on this condition.  Therefore, they are unable to treat or properly advise this population.⁴  The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on halitosis and to clarify some frequent misconceptions that lead us to mistreat or fail to treat patients suffering from it.  Emphasis will be placed on its etiology and on the role of the general dentist as the most appropriate professional to diagnose and manage this condition.

Click Here To Navigate Within Article >> Abstract Introduction Prevalence and Social Importance of Halitosis Classification of Halitosis Etiology of Halitosis Factors Involved In The Etiology of Halitosis The Role of Bacteria In Oral Halitosis The Role of Physical and Chemical Conditions of the Oral Cavity The Role of Substrates The Role of the Dorsum of the Tongue Association Between Halitosis and Periodontal Disease Diagnosis of Halitosis References About the Authors
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Citation Number: Vol. 2, No. 4, Page 003