What is halitosis?
Halitosis (commonly known as “bad breath”) is the medical term used to refer to unpleasant odour in air exhaled through the mouth or nose. The term derives from the Latin “halitus” (exhaled air) and the Greek “osis” (a pathological state).
In today’s society, interpersonal relationships and image are more important than ever. When we find a smell disagreeable, we perceive it as unattractive or even offensive. In the United States, halitosis is the third most common reason why people visit the dentist, right behind tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Although many people see bad breath as a physical health problem, those who are affected by it are far more worried about the social, rather than physical, consequences of suffering from halitosis. In fact, the awareness that halitosis sufferers have of their condition often has considerable psychological effects, capable of having only a moderate impact, to wreaking complete havoc on a patient’s life.
Terminology
Halitosis is usually classified into two groups, depending on whether or not it can be perceived. We should recall that most adults have bad breath when waking up, although these cases fall into the category of temporary halitosis. Temporary halitosis is short-lasting and is caused by the reduction of saliva during sleep and by prolonged fasting. This type of halitosis also occurs after eating certain foods, such as garlic and onion.
Genuine Halitosis
This type of halitosis is clearly noticeable; it is an unpleasant odour that goes beyond what is socially acceptable. It can be detected by means of organoleptic tests (via the nose) and by physicochemical tests.
Persistent Halitosis
This type of halitosis is pathological or chronic and has a clear impact on a patient’s day-to-day life. The condition is not usually cured by standard personal hygiene habits and requires a specific treatment plan in accordance with the diagnosis. The primary cause of this halitosis type may be oral (the mouth or back of the tongue) or extra-oral (respiratory system, digestive tract, systemic disturbances, etc.)
Pseudohalitosis
Also known as imaginary halitosis, pseudohalitosis is a condition whereby the patient does not suffer from genuine halitosis but insists that they do, on the basis of their own perception. This condition can eventually become an obsession (halitophobia) if a patient continues to believe that they suffer from halitosis after it has been successfully eradicated through medical treatment (elimination of genuine halitosis) or even after having been told by third parties that they do not have bad breath (pseudohalitosis).
Temporary Halitosis
Also known as physiological halitosis, sporadic halitosis or morning breath. This is a type of halitosis that usually originates towards the back of the tongue and does not require medical treatment. In this sense, it is usually considered a cosmetic issue rather than a medical one.
Epidemiological data
Halitosis affects many people, regardless of sex, age, race or socioeconomic background. Various methods are used to estimate the prevalence of halitosis among the population.
Epidemiological studies that yield higher levels of evidence, in other words, those capable of a more reliable estimation of halitosis in a given population sample, are those that use a variety of methods.
A study carried out by the Breath Institute in Spain and Portugal using the four methods mentioned above and has been able to demonstrate that the prevalence of permanent halitosis in these two countries is about 30%, identical to that of the global population. Halitosis in Portugal and Spain also affects men and women in equal measure, at any age and any socioeconomic level.
Concept
We talk about halitosis open and accessible way, so that you can understand medical terminology that scientists use.
1. What is halitosis?
2. Physical and social consequences
3. Bad breath through the ages
Causes
The Breath Institute has discovered, on the basis of the latest international research, that there are over 80 possible causes of halitosis.
1. The composition of halitosis (bad breath)
2. Causes of halitosis (bad breath)
2.1 Oral causes
2.2 Respiratory causes
2.3 Digestive causes
2.4 Systemic causes, diet and habits
2.5 Neuropsychological causes
Diagnosis
We identify the most effective clinical methods when diagnosing precisely the halitosis’ origin, so that you can chose the best treatment.
1. Methods of diagnosis
1.1 Self-perception
1.2 Organoleptic tests
1.3 Breath gas measurement
1.4 Laboratory tests
2. Psychological tests
3. Signs and associated symptoms