Abstract
The aim of this review is to summarize answers to common questions related to halitosis including its prevalence, the different types, aetiology, assessment, diagnosis and management in general practice.
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An update on halitosis: seven common questions
From Volume 48, Issue 6, June 2021 | Pages 459-462
Article
Oral healthcare professionals should be aware of the fundamentals of halitosis as they are primarily responsible for its diagnosis and management.
Halitosis (from the Latin for breath, halitus and the Greek suffix osis, meaning abnormal)1 is the presence of unpleasant or offensive breath odour independent of its origin. Halitosis can have major detrimental social implications for an individual and can significantly impact on normal social interactions.2
The true prevalence of halitosis is unknown. The majority of epidemiological studies are difficult to evaluate as they are largely based on subjective self-estimation of halitosis, which is known to be limited by inaccuracy and low sensitivity. However, the available evidence suggests that halitosis is common, and can affect individuals of all ages.
The prevalence of persistent halitosis in one of the most recent studies was reported to be 15%, was nearly three times higher in men than in women (regardless of age) and the risk was slightly more than three times greater in individuals over 20 years of age compared with those aged 20 years or under, controlling for gender.3 The methodology used was interesting because it overcame the limitations of self-reporting of halitosis, while retaining its subjective judgement; the design also facilitated the recruitment of large numbers of subjects.
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