Halitosis: a review of associated factors and therapeutic approach

Abstract

Halitosis or bad breath is an oral health condition characterized by unpleasant odors emanating consistently from the oral cavity. The origin of halitosis may be related both to systemic and oral conditions, but a large percentage of cases, about 85%, are generally related to an oral cause. Causes include certain foods, poor oral health care, improper cleaning of dentures, dry mouth, tobacco products and medical conditions. Oral causes are related to deep carious lesions, periodontal disease, oral infections, peri-implant disease, pericoronitis, mucosal ulcerations, impacted food or debris and, mainly, tongue coating. Thus, the aim of the present review was to describe the etiological factors, prevalence data and the therapeutic mechanical and chemical approaches related to halitosis. In general, halitosis most often results from the microbial degradation of oral organic substrates including volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). So far, there are few studies evaluating the prevalence of oral malodor in the world population. These studies reported rates ranging from 22% to more than 50%. The mechanical and chemical treatment of halitosis has been addressed by several studies in the past four decades. Many authors agree that the solution of halitosis problems must include the reduction of the intraoral bacterial load and/or the conversion of VSC to nonvolatile substrates. This could be achieved by therapy procedures that reduce the amount of microorganisms and substrates, especially on the tongue.

Self-reported halitosis and associated demographic and behavioral factors

“…Population-based studies showed variations in prevalence estimates of halitosis, ranging between 6% and 72%. 2,23,24,25 In comparison with other populations, the prevalence observed in this sample may be considered low. However, this prevalence of approximately 22% may have an important impact, considering that the population studied is composed of dental students.…”

Self-Reported Halitosis among Medical, Dental and Health Science Undergraduate Students at the University Sains Malaysia

“…The foul odor is transient and normally disappears after elimination of the cause. Persistent or chronic halitosis is more commonly associated with intrinsic factors, including diseases and disorders that affect the oral cavity, such as deep carious lesions, periodontal diseases and oral mucosal diseases and infections (1). Poor oral hygiene, diseases and disorders of other systems of the body, such as the respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and endocrine systems, as well as use of certain medications, have also been associated with halitosis (2).…”

“…Zadah je prolazan i obično nestaje čim se ukloni uzrok. Konstantni ili kronični zadah uglavnom je povezan s unutarnjim uzrocima -bolestima i poremećajima u usnoj šupljini, poput dubokih karijesnih lezija, parodontne bolesti ili bolesti oralne sluznice te infekcija (1). Loša higijena, te bolesti i poremećaji ostalih tjelesnih sustava, poput dišnoga, probavnog, bubrežnog i endokrinog ali i pojedini lijekovi, također su povezani s halitozom (2).…”

Efficacy of Oral Refresher Strip Containing Five Types of Essential Oils on Oral Malodor

“…Anaerob Gram negative bacteria are most likely the main causes of oral malodor. They are Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, and Treponema denticola [5]. These can be triggered by bad oral hygiene, reduced oral activity when sleeping, and xerostomia [6].…”