Halitosis revision notes quiz medium

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary origin of halitosis in most cases?

Physiological causes

Extra-oral factors

Oral cavity (correct)

Gastrointestinal system

Which of the following treatments is most effective in reducing bacterial load associated with halitosis?

Antiseptic/zinc based mouthwash (correct)

Increased water intake

Regular dental check-ups

Antibiotic therapy

Halitosis can be caused by which of the following metabolic diseases?

Hypertension

Rheumatoid arthritis

Hypothyroidism

Diabetes (correct)

What is the role of tongue biofilm in the development of halitosis?

It contributes to poor oral hygiene Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a physiological cause of halitosis?

Food impaction Signup and view all the answers

What condition can cause halitosis due to the expulsion of bad odor?

Tonsillitis Signup and view all the answers

Which group of bacteria is primarily responsible for halitosis?

Gram-negative anaerobes Signup and view all the answers

Which type of halitosis is characterized by no presence of bad breath despite the belief of having it?

Pseudohalitosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT a common cause of halitosis?

Excessive saliva production Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if halitosis persists due to a condition beyond a dental hygienist's scope of practice?

Refer to a specialist Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of organoleptic measurement for assessing halitosis?

Involves a deep breath and odour grading Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of gas chromatography in measuring halitosis?

Cost-effective and easy to perform Signup and view all the answers

What limitation is associated with the sulfide monitoring method?

Less sensitive and specific than gas chromatography Signup and view all the answers

How does the BANA test indicate the presence of certain bacteria?

Through a color change of the test strip Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the salivary incubation test for halitosis?

Requires a long incubation period Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of ammonia monitoring in halitosis assessment?

To analyze the presence of ammonia in exhalation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods for measuring halitosis is considered indirect and not validated?

BANA test Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of the Ninhydrin method in detecting halitosis-related compounds?

Can miss high molecule weight amines Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does gas chromatography have over organoleptic measurement?

Less affected by clinician bias Signup and view all the answers

Which method requires patients to rinse their mouth with urea before testing?

Ammonia monitoring Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Halitosis

Unpleasant odour from the oral cavity, commonly known as 'bad breath'.
Affects nearly more than 50% of the general population.
85-90% of cases originate from the oral cavity.
Main causes:
- Physiological: Hypo-salivation, reduced oxygen levels in saliva, bacterial activity during sleep.
- Oral Pathogenic: Poor oral hygiene, tongue biofilm, food impactions, and candidiasis.
- Extra-oral Pathogenic:
  - Respiratory System: Diseases like bronchitis, lung disease, cleft lip and palate, tonsillitis
  - Gastrointestinal System: High correlation between gastroesophageal reflux and halitosis.
  - Metabolic Diseases: Diabetes, kidney failure, liver failure can contribute.
  - Drug/Medications: Chemotherapy drugs, blood pressure medication, antidepressants, diuretics, diabetes medication, vitamin supplements.

Halitosis Classification

Genuine Halitosis:
- Physiologic: Caused by physiological factors
- Pathogenic: Caused by bacterial activity
  - Oral: Originates within the oral cavity
  - Extra-oral: Originates outside the oral cavity
Delusional Halitosis:
- Also known as pseudohalitosis or halitophobia. Patients believe they have bad breath when they don't.

Treatment by Dental Hygienists/Therapists

Reduction of Bacterial Load:
- Tailored oral hygiene instructions
- Periodontal therapy
- Antiseptic/zinc-based mouthwashes
- Tongue hygiene
Review of Existing Restorations and Prosthesis:
- Minimize plaque retentive factors.
Diagnose and Treat Oral Conditions:
- Xerostomia, pericoronitis, oral ulcerations.
Referral to Specialists:
- For halitosis caused by medical conditions beyond their scope of practice or if halitosis persists.

Measurement of Halitosis

Direct Methods:
- Organoleptic Measurement: Clinician grades odour on a scale of 0-5 (0 no odour, 5 very strong malodour).
- Gas Chromatography: Quantitates volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) using samples from saliva, tongue coating, or breath.
- Sulfide Monitoring: Tube inserted into the mouth and sulfur-containing compounds are measured electronically.
Indirect Methods:
- BANA Test: Detects the presence of specific bacteria (T. denticola, P. gingivalis, B. forsythus).
- Salivary Incubation Test: Saliva is incubated in an anaerobic medium to measure bacterial activity.
- Ammonia Monitoring: Measures ammonia levels in expired air using a gas detector.
- Ninhydrin Method: Detects certain amines and polyamines, which can contribute to halitosis.

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Description

Explore the complexities of halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, which affects over half of the population. This quiz covers the physiological and pathogenic causes of halitosis, highlighting its classification and connection to various health conditions.