The following features are indicative of Halitosis:
unpleasant oral odor
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Common Causes of Halitosis
The following are the most common causes of Halitosis:
poor oral hygiene
periodontal disease
tongue coating
food impaction
unclean dentures
respiratory diseases
Other Causes of Halitosis
The following are the less common causes of Halitosis:
oral carcinomas
throat infection
alcohol
tobacco
Risk Factors for Halitosis
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Halitosis:
areca nut chewing
betel leaf chewing
gingival enlargement
Prevention of Halitosis
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Halitosis. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
tongue cleaning should be done
use of mouth rinsers
educating patients about good oral hygiene
Occurrence of Halitosis
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Halitosis cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Halitosis can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Halitosis can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Halitosis
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Halitosis:
Organoleptic test: To measure the unpleasant odors by smelling the exhaled air of the mouth and nose
Gas chromatography: To calculate the volatile sulfur compounds
Sulfide monitor: To measure the volatile sulfur-containing compounds
Chemical sensors: To calculate the sulfur compounds from periodontal pockets and on the tongue surface
Benzoyl-arginine naphthylamide test: To detect not only halitosis, but also periodontal risk assessment
Salivary incubation test: To evaluate salivary incubation and halitosis
Ammonia monitoring: To detect halitosis
Ninhydrin method: To measure the amino acids and low-molecular-weight amines
Doctor for Diagnosis of Halitosis
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Halitosis:
Dentist
Gastroenterologist
Periodontist
Complications of Halitosis if untreated
Yes, Halitosis causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Halitosis is left untreated:
periodontal diseases
dental caries
damaged gums
Self-care for Halitosis
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Halitosis:
Brush teeth after eating: Helps in reducing bad breath odors
Floss at least once a day: Helps in controlling bad breath
Brush tongue: Helps in reducing odors
Clean dentures or dental appliances: Helps in reducing mouth odors
Avoid dry mouth: Helps in reducing bad breath odors