Managing halitosis Thorough history and examination are important

doi:10.1136/bmj.308.6929.652

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H Richardson,
A J N Prichard

Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN
Ancaster Hall, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NH7 2RE
Derby City General Hospital, Derby DE22 3NE.

EDITOR, - Crispian Scully and colleagues' editorial describes oral and dental causes of halitosis and their treatment.1 It is important to emphasise that a thorough history and clinical examination must be undertaken. This must include examination of the nose, postnasal space, and all mucosal surfaces of the pharynx in addition to complete examination of the oral cavity and dentition.

Halitosis may be a presenting complaint of infection, inflammation, or malignancy of any part of the upper aerodigestive tract, and delay in diagnosis may …