Bad breath (halitosis)

Halitosis is also known as oral malodour, or just bad breath.
The causes may be local or systemic.
Bad breath can be a health concern.
90% of malodour originates in the oral cavity, whereas the remaining 10% has systemic causes.

Oral causes and contributing factors:

• Periodontal infections
• The tongue coating harbours microorganisms
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)
• Leaking restorations that retains food and bacteria
• Unclean dentures/ retainers
• Oral pathologic lesions
• Throat infections
• Cleft palate

 Systemic and non-oral factors:

• Renal or hepatic failure
• Carcinomas
• Diabetes
• Upper respiratory; nasal passages
• Cirrhosis of the liver

Instructions:

• Daily plaque removal program:  brushing and flossing
• Cleaning of all prostheses / retainers
• Carious lesions should be restored
• Brushing and scraping of the dorsal surface of the tongue is a daily requirement