3 Halitosis 2.3.1 Definiton: 2.3.2 Etiology
3 Halitosis 2.3.1 Definiton: 2.3.2 Etiology
3 Halitosis 2.3.1 Definiton: 2.3.2 Etiology
3 Halitosis
2.3.1 Definiton
Halitosis is breath that is offensive to others, caused by a variety of
reasons including but not limited to periodontal disease, bacterial coating of
tongue, systemic disorders and different types of food (Soder, 2000).
After the decline in the prevalence of oral diseases of major
prevalence, Dentistry has given it a closer attention, which should not be
considered
cosmetic
problem.
However,
science
behind
the
the tongue accounted for the other 40%. A subsequent report by the same
group found oral factors as responsible for halitosis in 76% of 2000
patients. Therefore, Dentistry is responsible for diagnosing and treating
halitosis (Quirynen, 2009).
1. Periodontal inflammation
The presence of microorganisms and the inflammatory products present
in gingivitis/periodontitis are capable of producing odoriferous substances.
Cross-sectional studies associated halitosis to the presence of
either
from
the
saliva,
from
plaque
removed
from
should
also
include
3. Antimicrobials
Since the presence of microorganisms from oral is responsible for producing
malodor, any type of treatment approach that has impact in the oral microbiota
has the potential of reducing halitosis. Mouthrinses, especially chlorhexidine and
cetilpyridinium chloride have been effective in reducing halitosis. In addition, the
use of dentifrices has also been studied. Triclosan containing dentifrices, for
example, have demonstrated an interesting potential in reducing VSC.
4. Medical approaches
If oral approaches are not successful in reducing/ eliminating halitosis,
patients should be referred to a physician. If the medical causes cannot be
suspected, the first professional to be referred is the otorhinolaryngologist,
followed by the gastroenterologist. If halitophobia is considered, a psychologist
or phsychiatrist should be included.
5. Masking agents
When it is not possible to direct the treatment approach to the cause, masking
agents have been developed to decrease the odor. The use of chewing gum may
decrease halitosis, especially through increasing salivary secretion. Mouthrinses
containing chlorine dioxide and zinc salts have a substantial effect in masking
halitosis, not allowing the volatilization of the unpleasant odor.
These
populations
in
saliva.
Appl
Environ
Microbiol.
2010
May;76(9):2806-14.
7. Faveri M, Hayacibara MF, Pupio GC, Cury JA, Tsuzuki CO, Hayacibara RM.
A cross-over study on the effect of various therapeutic approaches to morning
breath odour. J Clin Peri- odontol. 2006 Aug;33(8):555-60.
8. Van der Sleen MI, Slot DE, Van Trijffel E, Winkel EG, Van der Weijden GA.
Effectiveness of mechanical tongue cleaning on breath odour and tongue
coating: a systematic review. Int J Dent Hyg. 2010 Nov;8(4):258-68.