Halitosis or Bad breath is a persistent, unpleasant odour in exhaled breath, usually not serious, commonly called bad breath. The microscopic uneven surface of the tongue can trap bacteria that produce odors, contributing to bad breath. Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing and in some cases may even cause anxiety.

1. BAD BREATH
HALITOSIS

2. 1. Physiological
(not because of any disease)
• Temporary
• Food (onion, garlic etc.), smoking , medications
(like metronidazole)
• Morning breath (decreased saliva flow, increased
putrefaction of lodged food during night)
2
Types

3. 2. Pathological
(because of some underlying disease)
• Uncontrolled Diabetes mellitus (fruity smell)
• Kidney disease (fishy odor)
• Liver insufficiency (dead mice like smell)

4. CAUSES :
(mainly volatile sulphur compounds)
1. Intraoral
(due to increased bacteria or their substrate in mouth)
• Gingivitis (gum inflammation)
• Periodontitis
• Tongue coating
• Deep carious lesions
(food entrapment and its putrefaction)
• Interdental food entrapment
• unhygienic Acrylic dentures

5. 2. Extraoral
• Liver and kidney disorder
• Pharyngitis
• Purulent sinusitis
• Hormonal problems
• Acid reflux etc.
systemic conditions
certain metabolites
increase
escapes
through
alveoli in lungs
causing bad
breath

6. TREATMENT
1. Masking the malodor
• Rinses, mouth sprays, lozenges
• Drink more liquid
Chewing
gum
periodontal
- parotid
reflex
increased
salivary
flow

7. 2. Mechanical reduction of the bacteria
and their substrate
• Tongue scraping (especially posterior)
• Interdental cleaning and brushing
• Scaling and root planning
(in case of gingivitis and periodontitis)

8. 3. Chemical methods
• Chlorhexidine mouthwash
• Essential oils rinse (e.g. Listerine)
• Oxidizing lozenges etc.