BMJ  2006;333:632-635 (23 September), doi:10.1136/bmj.38954.631968.AE

Clinical review

Oral malodour (halitosis)

S R Porter, professor of oral medicine1, C Scully, dean and director of studies and research1

1 Oral Medicine Unit, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, 256 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8LD

Correspondence to: S RPorter S.Porter@eastman.ucl.ac.uk

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Introduction

Oral malodour (halitosis) is common; most people have some element of transient unpleasant oral odour at some time.1 w1 In the developed world, 8-50% of people perceive that they have persistent recurrent episodes of oral malodour. This article provides a succinct review of oral malodour relevant to medical practitioners.

Who gets halitosis?

Oral malodour is common and can affect people of all ages. When severe or longstanding, it may decrease self confidence and social interactions.w2

What is the most likely cause of halitosis?

Oral malodour on awakening is common and generally not regarded as halitosis. Longstanding oral malodour is usually caused by oral, or sometimes nasopharyngeal, disease (box 1). The most likely cause of oral malodour is the accumulation of food debris and dental bacterial plaque on the teeth and tongue, resulting from poor oral hygiene and resultant gingival (gingivitis) and periodontal (gingivitis/periodontitis) inflammation. Although most types of gingivitis and periodontitis can give rise to malodour, acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (Vincent's disease, . . . [Full text of this article]

What other causes of halitosis exist?

What is the oral source of halitosis?

How is halitosis diagnosed and assessed?

What is the treatment of halitosis?


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Rapid Responses:

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GORD and Halitosis
Deepak Kejariwal
bmj.com, 25 Sep 2006 [Full text]
halitosis and lung abscess
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Re: GORD and Halitosis
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bmj.com, 3 Oct 2006 [Full text]
Re: halitosis and lung abscess
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bmj.com, 3 Oct 2006 [Full text]
Re: Halitosis
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Re: Halitosis: don’t forget to examine the hypopharynx
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