Halitosis

Abstract

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is an unpleasant symptom that can present as a social problem compromising quality of life. This condition may affect individuals of all ages and may be a transient episode or a longlasting problem depending on the cause. In some cases, patients may present with pseudo-halitosis, whereby there is a belief that they have bad breath despite their malodor not being perceived or detected, either by those around them or by objective analysis. Halitosis can occur due to local factors, or in rare cases be attributed to systemic etiologies. For patients who present with halitosis exclusively from local oral factors, improving oral health including tongue cleaning, treating dry mouth and alleviating local causes, may be beneficial. For patients with a systemic etiology for their halitosis, a multidisciplinary management approach may be necessary.