Halitosis

ABSTRACT

Halitosis is a broad term describing a range of unpleasant or offensive odours emitted in the breath, due to multiple causes.2 Volatile sulphur compounds may be the main source of oral malodor. The source may be oral or non-oral. Non-oral causes of bad breath are mostly related to systemic conditions and/or drugs prescribed by the physicians to treat medical conditions such as diabetes, liver disorder, kidney malfunctioning, pulmonary disease etc. Medications which reduce salivary flow like antipsychotics, narcotics, antidepressants, decongestants, antihistamines and antihypertensives may also be responsible.3 Oral causes of bad odor are mainly the gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, especially those localized at posterior surface of the tongue and within the surface of tongue and in throat. Oral malodours were drastically reduced after treating chronic periodontitis. Diagnosis can be confirmed by one of the 3 techniques which are; Organoleptic measurement, Gas Chromatography and Sulphide Monitoring. The treatment plan comprises elimination of the causative agent and improvement of the oral health status