Oral Malodor: A Review of the Literature

Authors: Pratibha, PK¹; Bhat, KM²; Bhat, GS³

Source: Journal of Dental Hygiene, Number 3, Summer 1st July 2006 , pp. 8-8(1)

Publisher: American Dental Hygienists' Association

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Abstract:

Oral malodor or halitosis is any unpleasant odor emerging from the mouth that is detected by others. Many patients experience extreme discomfort and embarrassment and therefore seek help for this problem.

Oral causes, such as poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, tongue coating, food impaction, unclean dentures, faulty restorations, and dry mouth, are far more common than nonoral causes of malodor. Management may include simple measures such as scaling and root planing, instructions in oral hygiene, tongue cleaning, and mouth rinsing.

This paper reviews the current knowledge, etiology, diagnosis, and possible treatment strategies for oral malodor. Emphasis is placed on the recognition of the dental hygienist as a specialist in aspects of patient care and instruction, which relate to the prevention and control of oral malodor.

Keywords: Bad breath; malodor; halitosis; volatile sulfur compounds

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Associate professor, Department of Periodontics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India. 2: Professor and department head, Department of Periodontics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India. 3: Professor, Department of Periodontics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.

Publication date: 2006-06-01

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