Bad Breath (Halitosis): Narrative Overview

Abstract

Halitosis is a health condition associated with an unpleasant odor from the oral cavity. The origin of bad breath may be related to systemic and oral conditions, but the large percentage of cases (about 85%) are related to oral factors. Because of its personal nature it can cause social embarrassment and psychological distress. Different society culture diverges acutely starts from those who believe that bad breath is genetically determined to those who turn to use crude scented items or over-the-counter products to camouflage the bad breath to others who consider the bad breath condition taboo subject finds it difficult to discuss or considered a private matter. The measurement of odors will not be as long as Corona is before Corona. Advanced dental clinics and also younger adults are newly equipped with many types of digital halite-testing devices and mobile phone applications making the diagnosis easy, safe and time-consuming. A Halitus patient initially visits the general dental practitioner for the betterment of the condition and here the responsibility lies on the dentists to diagnose and manage the condition. Treatment program must therefore address educative, preventive, curative and symptomatic line. In this review article we tried to highlight the bad breath condition and illustrate definitions, terminology, prevalence, etiology, classification, new measurement methods and management protocols.