Revisiting Standard and Novel Therapeutic Approaches in Halitosis: A Review

Abstract

Halitosis, or bad breath, is an oral health problem characterized by an unpleasant malodor emanating from the oral cavity. This condition can have different origins and causes a negative burden in social interactions, communication and quality of life, and can in uncommon cases be indicative of underlying non-oral non-communicable diseases. Most cases of halitosis are due to inadequate oral hygiene, periodontitis and tongue coating, yet the remaining proportion of cases are due to ear–nose–throat-associated (10%) or gastrointestinal/endocrine (5%) disorders. For this reason, the diagnosis, treatment and clinical management of halitosis often require a multidisciplinary team approach. This comprehensive review revisits the etiology of halitosis as well as standard and novel treatment that may contribute to higher clinical success.

Emotional and Social Impact of Halitosis on Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review

“…Many individuals in these countries may not have access to proper health education or may not be able to read or understand written instructions for oral hygiene practices. This can lead to poor oral hygiene and an increased risk of halitosis [ 45 ]. It is important for the authors of articles on halitosis to take these factors into consideration when analyzing the prevalence of the condition in developing or underdeveloped nations.…”

Halitosis: a conceptual, etiologic and therapeutic approach

“…Halitosis is normally classified in two main categories: genuine halitosis and delusional halitosis, according to the classification adopted by the International Society for Breath Odor Research (ISBOR), based on the origin of the compounds responsible for the malodor [18]. Genuine halitosis is the obvious malodor, exhaled by the mouth, in a level above the level considered as socially acceptable.…”

“…Halitosis: a conceptual, etiologic and therapeutic approach Proteolytic Gram-negative bacteria are capable of degrading these organic compounds and metabolizing such amino acids, releasing gaseous molecules containing sulfur, called volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) [6,32]. Almost 90% of the composition of the malodor exhaled by the oral cavity is composed by hydrogen sulfide (HS), dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and methyl mercaptan (MM), released on this process [18]. Other VSCs molecules can be found, but in very lower concentrations [25].…”

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for the treatment of oral infections: A systematic review

“…Commonly used methods for treating halitosis include 0.2% chlorhexidine, essential oils, hydrogen peroxide, tongue scrapers, chewing gum, and breath spray, etc. 104 , 105 , 106 However, the irregular surface of the tongue can make it challenging to thoroughly clean the entire tongue. 107 In a systemic review, Woźniak et al.…”