What is Halitosis?

What is Halitosis?

• Halitosis, also known as bad breath, is a common condition characterized by an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth.
• It is estimated to affect approximately 20-30% of the population worldwide.

Causes of Halitosis

• Dental issues:
  • Gingivitis
  • Periodontitis
  • Dry mouth (xerostomia)
  • Coated tongue
  • Poor oral hygiene
• Gastrointestinal issues:
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
• Systemic diseases:
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Respiratory infections
• Diet and lifestyle:
  • Consuming strong-smelling foods (e.g., garlic, onions)
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Inadequate hydration
  • Certain medications

Symptoms of Halitosis

• Bad breath:
  • Unpleasant odor from the mouth
  • May be constant or intermittent
• Dry mouth:
  • Sticky or dry feeling in the mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Taste disturbances:
  • Metallic or sour taste
  • Reduced ability to taste food

Diagnosis and Treatment of Halitosis

• Dental examination:
  • Visual examination of the teeth and gums
  • Review of oral hygiene habits
• Tongue scraping:
  • Removing bacteria and debris from the tongue
• Breath odor measurement:
  • Using a halimeter to measure volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs)
• Treatment:
  • Good oral hygiene practices
  • Regular dental check-ups
  • Antibacterial mouthwashes
  • Managing underlying medical conditions
  • Dietary changes (e.g., reducing sugar intake)

What is Halitosis?

• Halitosis, also known as bad breath, is a common condition characterized by an unpleasant odor from the mouth.
• It affects approximately 20-30% of the population worldwide.

Causes of Halitosis

• Dental issues: • Gingivitis • Periodontitis • Dry mouth (xerostomia) • Coated tongue • Poor oral hygiene
• Gastrointestinal issues: • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) • Constipation • Diarrhea
• Systemic diseases: • Diabetes • Kidney disease • Liver disease • Respiratory infections
• Diet and lifestyle: • Consuming strong-smelling foods (e.g., garlic, onions) • Smoking • Alcohol consumption • Inadequate hydration • Certain medications

Symptoms of Halitosis

• Bad breath: • Unpleasant odor from the mouth • May be constant or intermittent
• Dry mouth: • Sticky or dry feeling in the mouth • Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Taste disturbances: • Metallic or sour taste • Reduced ability to taste food

Diagnosis and Treatment of Halitosis

• Dental examination: • Visual examination of the teeth and gums • Review of oral hygiene habits
• Tongue scraping: • Removing bacteria and debris from the tongue
• Breath odor measurement: • Using a halimeter to measure volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs)
• Treatment: • Good oral hygiene practices • Regular dental check-ups • Antibacterial mouthwashes • Managing underlying medical conditions • Dietary changes (e.g., reducing sugar intake)