Review of the treatment strategies for oral malodour

Abstract

Breath malodour, a significant social and/or psychological handicap, may be caused by several intraand extraoral factors. Malodour of intraoral origin is the result of microbial putrefaction, during which volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) and other volatile compounds are produced. The treatment of oral malodour can therefore be focused on the reduction of the intraoral bacterial load and/or the conversion of VSC to nonvolatile substrates. This article outlines the efficacy and mechanisms of different antimalodour approaches. Most approaches were found to be inefficient and/or short lasting. The most successful treatment involves mechanical debridement (including toothbrushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning), possibly combined with the use of an antimicrobial mouthrinse.

Daily variation of oral malodour and related factors in community‐dwelling elderly Thai

“…Another study also reported depressed concentrations of H 2 S for at least 2 h after meals and that tongue and tooth brushing reduced VSC concentrations for 2-3 h 24,25 . These reductions are thought to happen because oral activities such as tooth and tongue brushing reduce the number of VSC-producing bacteria in the mouth and because eating meals stimulates the secretion of saliva 26,27 .…”

“…Volatile sulphur compound concentrations vary depending on the time of assessment 24 , decreasing markedly after oral activities such as eating and drinking [24][25][26][27][28] . In Thailand, there is no information about oral malodour among the elderly.…”

Characteristics of patients complaining of halitosis and factors associated with halitosis

“…Some interventional studies have indicated that tooth brushing exclusively is not effective enough to reduce oral malodor (Yaegaki and Sanada, 1992;Kleinberg et al, 2002). A combination of mechanical debridement (i.e., tooth brushing, flossing, tongue cleaning) and the use of an antimicrobial mouth rinse may be more effective in reducing oral malodor (Quirynen et al, 2002;Van den Broek et al, 2008).…”

Management of oral malodour

“…Halitosis is caused by several intraand extra-oral factors, including systemic diseases, and disorders of the gastrointestinal and/or upper respiratory tracts (Quirynen et al 2002a). If halitosis originates from the oral cavity it is known as oral malodour (Delanghe et al 1997).…”