Breath Malodor (Halitosis)

Breath malodor means an unpleasant odor of the expired air, whatever the origin may be. Halitosis specifically refers to such odor originating from the oral cavity itself. A term like halitosis is synonymous with breath malodor. Acute bad breath is a very common problem caused by such things as oral dryness, stress, hunger, eating certain foods such as garlic and onions, smoking, and poor oral care. Morning breath is a typical example of transient bad breath. However, chronic Halitosis is a far more serious condition affecting one quarter of the population in different capacities, and usually has a bad impact on the individual’s self esteem to maintain good personal and business relationship, leading to catastrophe.

Causes of Halitosis

The three major causes of halitosis.

a) Local factor
b) Systemic factor
c) Halitophobia (imaginary breath malodor).

Local factor can be due to poor oral hygiene which leads to gingivitis (inflammation of the gingiva or gum) or periodontitis (inflammation of the periodontium or deep part of gum). Halitosis that is of mouth origin can be traced to a sulfur compound produced by bacteria. Dead and dying bacterial cells release this sulfur compound, which gives the breath a bad odor. Bacterial plaque, debris and food waste accumulate on the back of the tongue. The tongue’s surface is extremely rough and bacteria can reside easily in the cracks and crevices. Large amounts of sulfur compounds can be produced in this area, making it a frequent site of origin for bad breath. Systemic factors occur when there is an anomaly with any part of the organ systems like the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, respiratory tract etc. Some of the systemic disease that could lead to halitosis is diabetes, chronic pharyngitis, purulent sinusitis, chronic bronchitis and gastric hernia etc. This is rare but it happens: Halitophobia:- it is an imaginary breath malodor by an individual. It is psychogenic. In reality there is no bad breath from the individual but the affected individual feels he/she has bad breath.

Diagnosis of Bad Breath

It can be diagnosed in two forms: Subjective and Objective.

Subjective Diagnosis: ask a friend to help perceive your breath and give an opinion of your breath but not early in the morning due to the transient bad breath present in the morning due to low saliva in the mouth during sleep. Second subjective diagnosis is using a tongue depressor to swab the dorsum of the tongue and wait for 5 minutes and perceive the odor on the tongue depressor.

Objective diagnosis is the use of Halimeter whereby volatile sulfide components are tested for in the mouth.

Reducing Bad breath

Solving any problem is removing the cause of the problem the same is applicable to halitosis.

Maintain good diet

Stop any bad habit that causes bad breath e.g. smoking, drinking etc.

Maintain good oral hygiene

Visit a dentist periodically for oral check-up.