Abstract

HALITOSIS- A SERIOUS YET AVOIDABLE BUT MUCH IGNORED STATE OF ORAL HEALTH

Kawaljit Kaur*, Angad Singh and Sargun Singh

Abstract

Halitosis or oral malodor or bad breath, is a common oral condition characterized by unpleasant or offensive odor originating from the mouth of an individual. Millions of people around the globe suffer from halitosis; however many are unaware or they do not accept that they have bad breath. This undesirable condition is a common complaint for both genders and for all age groups. It falls into three categories; genuine halitosis, pseudo-halitosis and halitophobia. Where genuine halitosis refers to the physiologic state, the latter two are associated with the psychology of the person. About 90% of genuine halitosis originates from intra-oral sources. Estimated rates of bad breath vary from 5-75% in children and 8-50% in of the general population. Methods used to evaluate halitosis include questionnaires, organoleptic tests, and VSC monitors. Anaerobic environment and anaerobic bacteri a, mainly gram-negative bacteria are the main causes. Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) are the major odoriferous components of halitosis. As halitosis create social stigma, it needs to be taken seriously and treated accordingly. It can be treated if its etiology is detected rightly. Management may include brushing teeth twice, cleaning tongue and using mouthwash. If simple self-care techniques do not solve the problem, one needs to see the dentist or physician. It is also the responsibility of the dentists to spread awareness regarding the same among their patients when they visit to them for any treatment.

Keywords: Halitosis, Bad malodor, Bad breath, VSCs, Mouthwash, Dry Mouth, Tongue Coating.