Halitosis Quiz

Study Notes

Question 1: 90% of halitosis cases originate from the oral cavity.
Question 2: Genuine halitosis is divided into physiologic and pathologic.
Question 3: Halitophobia is the fear of others noticing an individual has oral malodour.
Question 4: A recent aetiological classification divides pathological halitosis into 6 types.
Question 5: The gold standard measure of halitosis is the BANA test.
Question 6: Potential oral causes of halitosis include xerostomia, tonsillitis, cleft palate, ANUG, dry socket, and orthodontic appliances.
Question 7: Potential non-oral causes of halitosis include diabetic ketoacidosis, alcohol, poor oral hygiene, peri-implantitis, gastric reflux, and sinusitis.
Question 8: Dental hygienists/therapists can manage halitosis by providing oral hygiene instructions, treating periodontal conditions, applying fluoride varnish, using chlorhexidine mouthwash, providing xerostomia advice, advising on smoking and alcohol cessation, and suggesting dietary changes.
Question 9: Volatile sulfur compounds are the main compounds responsible for intra-oral halitosis.
Question 10: A dental hygienist/therapist should refer a patient for suspected non-oral cause of halitosis, or a suspicious lesion, or if halitosis persists after addressing intra-oral causes, or if halitosis is beyond their scope of practice.