Halitosis

Halitosis

L, halitus, breath; Gk, osis, condition

the third most frequent reason for seeking dental aid, following tooth decay and periodontal disease The condition of having foul-smelling breath. Also called fetor ex ore or bromopnea. 85-90% comes from the mouth itself. Formed by bacterial putrefaction of food debris, cells, saliva and blood. Proteolysis of proteins peptides aminoacids free thiol groups & volatile sulphides.

causes
Dental problems: Poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease. If you don't brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria that can emit chemicals, such as hydrogen sulfide the same compound that gives rotten eggs their characteristic smell. The microscopic uneven surface of the tongue also can trap bacteria that produce odors. And dentures that aren't cleaned regularly or don't fit properly can harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles. Large quantities of naturally-occurring bacteria are often found on the posterior dorsum of the tongue


Food The breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth can cause a foul odor. Eating foods containing certain oils is another source of bad breath. Onions and garlic are the best-known examples, After these foods are digested and the strong oils are absorbed into bloodstream, carried to lungs and are given off in your breath until the foods are eliminated from your body.

 Mouth, nose and throat conditions- Bad breath is also associated with sinus infections because nasal discharge from your sinuses into the back of your throat can cause mouth odor. cleft palate can lead to bad breath because they provide ideal environments for bacteria to multiply without being disturbed.

Systemic conditions

Kidney failure can cause a urine-like odor liver failure may cause an odor described as "fishy." diabetes often have a fruity breath odor. Chronic reflux of stomach acids from your stomach (gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD) or hiatal hernia. The Cardia, which is the valve between the stomach and the esophagus, may not close properly allowing acid to enter the esophagus and gases escape to the mouth.

Sleep due to decreased salivation. Xerostomia: anxiety, or drug related( anticholinergics, antihistamines, decnogestants, antidepressants). Tobacco products- Smoking dries out your mouth and causes its own unpleasant mouth odor. Tobacco users are also more likely to have periodontal disease, an additional source of bad breath. Bad breath in young children is often traced to a foreign body, such as a toy or piece of food, lodged in a nostril.

Other causes

DX for levels of sulfur emissions (to be Halimeter: a portable sulfide monitor used to test
specific, hydrogen sulfide) in the mouth air. Gas chromatography: OralChroma, currently being introduced.This technology is specifically designed to digitally measure molecular levels of the three major VSCs in a sample of mouth air (hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide). BANA test: this test is directed to find the salivary levels of an enzyme indicating the presence of certain halitosis-related bacteria. -galactosidase test: salivary levels of this enzyme were found to be correlated with oral malodor.

Management is the most Gently cleaning the tongue surface twice daily
effective way using a tooth brush, tongue cleaner or tongue brush/scraper to wipe off the bacterial biofilm, debris, and mucus. Eating a healthy breakfast with rough foods helps clean the very back of the tongue. Chewing gum: chewing sugarless gum can help with the production of saliva, Some chewing gums contain special anti-odor ingredients ( cinnamon sticks, mastic gum) or fresh parsley are common .

management contain active Gargling right before bedtime . Mouthwashes may

ingredients that are inactivated by the soap present in most toothpastes. Thus it is recommended to refrain from using mouthwash directly after toothbrushing with paste.

proper oral hygiene, including daily tongue cleaning, brushing, flossing, and periodic visits to dentists and hygienists.

 Probiotic treatments, specifically Streptococcus salivarius K12 the numbering system used to catalogue probiotic organism in the bacterial library .

Thank you