Dentoword : Today's Word is 'Halitosis'.

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  Today's word is "Halitosis"

Halitosis: 'Tackling the Unbearable Bad Breath'

In our previous post, we discussed dental plaque. If you missed it, please click on the link below to read it;

Dental plaque.

 Today, we are going to discuss a genuine issue in society that can be very embarrassing for those who have it: halitosis. Halitosis, or bad breath, is unpleasant for both the person experiencing it and the people around them. In today’s post, I'll explain what halitosis is, how it occurs, and how to prevent it. So, without further delay, let's start our Dentoword journey with today’s word: Halitosis.

What is Halitosis?

It is also called breath malodor, bad breath, or fetor ex ore. Halitosis is an unpleasant odor that comes from exhaled breath due to oral or extra-oral causes. When it is specifically due to oral causes, it is called oral malodor.

Classification of Halitosis :

A.Based on Duration:

1. Acute:

Temporary bad breath caused by specific foods or conditions.

2. Chronic: 

Persistent bad breath often due to underlying health issues.

B.Based on Origin:

1. Genuine Halitosis:

   a.Physiologic:

Caused by food intake or alcohol consumption.

   b.Pathologic:

     - Intraoral: 

Originating from the oral cavity.

     - Extraoral: 

Due to ENT problems, gastrointestinal issues, or other systemic conditions.

   

2. Pseudohalitosis:

 Malodor that cannot be objectively perceived, even though the patient believes it exists.

3. Halitophobia:

No perceptible malodor after treatment for halitosis or pseudohalitosis, yet the patient continues to believe they have bad breath.

Causes of Halitosis :

A) Intraoral Causes:

1.Poor Oral Hygiene:

• Improper brushing and flossing can lead to the accumulation of food debris on and between the teeth surfaces, which decomposes and causes bad breath.
• Inadequate tongue cleaning can cause the accumulation of debris on the dorsal surface of the tongue, which harbors microorganisms and causes bad breath.

2.Food and Various Drinks:

• Garlic and onions can cause a strong, temporary bad breath.
  
  
  
• Coffee, tea, and alcohol can lead to mouth dryness, causing bad breath.

3.Fasting and Starvation:

These conditions can cause a dry mouth, which is also responsible for halitosis.

4.Smoking:

Tobacco chewing and smoking cause halitosis.

5.Dental Caries and Periodontal Problems:

• Decayed teeth produce a foul smell from the oral cavity due to damaged tooth structure and decomposed food particles.
• Gingivitis or pocket formation leads to food accumulation and bacterial growth, resulting in bad breath.

B) Extra Oral Causes:

1.ENT Infections:

ENT problems can cause bad breath from the oral cavity and sometimes from the nose, such as sinusitis, nasal tumors, and foreign bodies.

2.Gastrointestinal Issues:

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastrointestinal carcinoma and gastroesophageal reflux disorder, can cause halitosis.

3.Lung-Related Problems:

Pulmonary infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis can lead to halitosis.

4.Other Systemic Issues:

Conditions like diabetes mellitus, hepatic failure, renal failure, and cirrhosis of the liver can lead to halitosis.

Diagnosis of Halitosis:

A.Review of Medical, Dental, and Personal History.

B. Clinical Examination:

i. Intraoral Examination:

• Tongue coating.
• Evidence of mouth breathing.
• Xerostomia (dry oral mucosa).
• Other oral causes.

ii. Complete Periodontal Examination:

• General personal care and state of oral hygiene.
• Probing for attachment levels and probing depths (periodontal status).
• Evidence of neglect and past history of dental hygiene care.

C. Measurement of Oral Malodor:

The severity of halitosis can be assessed using various methods, including the subjective organoleptic method, gas chromatography, halimeters, and the BANA test.

Prevention and Treatment of Halitosis:

Before starting treatment, the clinician should identify the cause of halitosis and then proceed accordingly.

1.Good Oral Hygiene Practices:

Refer to previous posts for more details.

2.Regular Dental Check-ups:

• Professional cleaning should be done every 6 months.
• Decayed teeth should be restored as early as possible.
• Regular dental check-ups help catch any gingival disease in its early stages, preventing further progression.
• If any periodontal therapy is required, it should be performed to prevent halitosis.

3.Balanced Diet:

• Minimize the consumption of food items and drinks that cause halitosis.
• Increase the intake of fibrous foods, which help cleanse the oral cavity.

4.Use of Mouthwash:

Chemical reduction of oral microbial population can be achieved by rinsing or gargling with an effective mouthwash, such as chlorhexidine mouthwash.

5.Stay Hydrated:

Drink plenty of water to prevent dryness of the oral mucosa.

6.Quit Smoking:

Avoiding smoking can prevent halitosis and improve overall health.

7.Other Systemic Problems:

Treat any other systemic problems, as mentioned above, to help improve breath odor.

Conclusion:

Halitosis is a major problem but is sometimes neglected in the community. It can be a sign of an underlying systemic disease that is not known to the person. Therefore, don't dismiss it as just bad odor, as it can be a symptom of major problems. By understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment, we can diagnose and treat it early to avoid embarrassment while speaking and laughing.

Request to Readers:

Thank you for reading today's post. If you have any queries, please comment below.

References :

1.Newman and Carranza's Essentials of Clinical Periodontology: An Integrated Study Companion / Michael G. Newman, et al. - Elsevier (2022).

2. Image credit:

www.pixabay.com

www.freepik.com.