Halitosis, oral malodor (scientific term), breath odor, foul breath, fetor oris, fetor ex ore, or most commonly bad breath are terms used to describe noticeably unpleasant odors exhaled in breathing – whether the smell is from an oral source or not. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (most commonly known by the abbreviation ICD) provides codes to classify diseases and a wide variety of signs, symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances and external causes of injury or disease. ... The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10) is a coding of diseases and signs, symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances and external causes of injury or diseases, as classified by the World Health Organization (WHO). ... // R00-R99 - Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R09) Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems (R00) Abnormalities of heart beat (R000) Tachycardia, unspecified (R001) Bradycardia, unspecified (R002) Palpitations (R008) Other and unspecified abnormalities of heart beat (R01) Cardiac murmurs and other... The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (most commonly known by the abbreviation ICD) provides codes to classify diseases and a wide variety of signs, symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances and external causes of injury or disease. ... The following is a list of codes for International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. ... The Disease Bold textDatabase is a free website that provides information about the relationships between medical conditions, symptoms, and medications. ... Odor receptors on the antennae of a Luna moth An odor is the object of perception of the sense of olfaction. ... Breathing transports oxygen into the body and carbon dioxide out of the body. ... Olfaction (also known as olfactics) refers to the sense of smell. ...

Halitosis has a significant impact — personally and socially — on those who suffer from it or believe they do (halitophobia), and is estimated to be the 3rd most frequent reason for seeking dental aid, following tooth decay and periodontal disease.^[1] Halitosis, oral malodor (scientific term), breath odor, foul breath, fetor oris, or most commonly bad breath are terms used to describe noticeably unpleasant odors exhaled in breathing – whether the smell is from an oral source or not. ... This article is about the dental profession. ... Types of teeth Molars are used for grinding up foods Carnassials are used for slicing food. ... Periodontitis a disease involving inflammation of the gums (gingiva), often persisting unnoticed for years or decades in a patient, that results in loss of bone around teeth. ...

General

In most cases (85-90%), bad breath originates in the mouth itself.^[2] The intensity of bad breath differs during the day, as a function of oral dryness, (which may be due to stress or fasting), eating certain foods (such as garlic, onions, meat, fish and cheese), smoking and alcohol consumption.^[3] Because the mouth is dry and inactive during the night, the odor is usually worse upon awakening ("morning breath"). Bad breath may be transient, often disappearing following eating, brushing one's teeth, flossing, and rinsing with specialized mouthwash. For other uses, see Mouth (disambiguation). ... Xerostomia is the medical term for a dry mouth due to a lack of saliva. ... In medical terms, stress is the disruption of homeostasis through physical or psychological stimuli. ... Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. ... Binomial name L. Allium sativum L., commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion family Alliaceae. ... For other uses, see Onion (disambiguation). ... This article is about the food. ... For other uses, see Fish (disambiguation). ... Cheese is a solid food made from the milk of cows, goats, sheep, and other mammals. ... The cigarette is the most common method of smoking tobacco. ... The relationship between alcohol consumption and health has been the subject of formal scientific research since at least 1926, when Dr. Raymond Pearl published his book, Alcohol and Longevity, in which he reported his finding that drinking alcohol in moderation was associated with greater longevity than either abstaining or drinking... This article does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Types of teeth Molars are used for grinding up foods Carnassials are used for slicing food. ... Dental floss is a thin, nylon string that is used to remove food and plaque from the teeth. ... For the Kate Nash song see Mouthwash (song) For the ska-punk band, see Mouthwash (band) Mouthwash or mouth rinse is a product used for oral hygiene. ...

Bad breath may also be persistent (chronic bad breath), which is a more serious condition, affecting some 25% of the population in varying degrees.^[4] It can negatively affect the individual's personal, social and business relationships, leading to poor self-esteem and increased stress. This condition is usually caused by the metabolic activity of certain types of oral bacteria. In psychology, self-esteem or self-worth is a persons self-image at an emotional level; circumventing reason and logic. ... In medical terms, stress is the disruption of homeostasis through physical or psychological stimuli. ... Structure of the coenzyme adenosine triphosphate, a central intermediate in energy metabolism. ... Phyla Actinobacteria Aquificae Chlamydiae Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi Chloroflexi Chrysiogenetes Cyanobacteria Deferribacteres Deinococcus-Thermus Dictyoglomi Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria Firmicutes Fusobacteria Gemmatimonadetes Lentisphaerae Nitrospirae Planctomycetes Proteobacteria Spirochaetes Thermodesulfobacteria Thermomicrobia Thermotogae Verrucomicrobia Bacteria (singular: bacterium) are unicellular microorganisms. ...

Origins

Mouth

Though the causes of breath odor are not entirely understood, most unpleasant odors are known to arise from proteins trapped in the mouth which are processed by oral bacteria. There are over 600 types of bacteria found in the average mouth. Several dozens of these can produce high levels of foul odors when incubated in the laboratory. Aroma redirects here. ... A representation of the 3D structure of myoglobin, showing coloured alpha helices. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

The most common location for mouth-related halitosis is the tongue. Large quantities of naturally-occurring bacteria are often found on the posterior dorsum of the tongue, where they are relatively undisturbed by normal activity. This part of the tongue is relatively dry and poorly cleansed, and bacterial populations can thrive on remnants of food deposits, dead epithelial cells and postnasal drip. The convoluted microbial structure of the tongue dorsum provides an ideal habitat for anaerobic bacteria, which flourish under a continually-forming tongue coating of food debris, dead cells, postnasal drip and overlying bacteria, living and dead. When left on the tongue, the anaerobic respiration of such bacteria can yield either the putrescent smell of indole, skatole, polyamines, or the "rotten egg" smell of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) such as hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfide. For other uses, see Tongue (disambiguation). ... This article is about the epithelium as it relates to animal anatomy. ... Post-nasal drip (PND) occurs when excessive mucus is produced by the sinuses. ... Look up habitat in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... An anaerobic organism or anaerobe is any organism that does not require oxygen. ... Anaerobic respiration refers to the oxidation of molecules in the absence of oxygen to produce energy, in opposition to Aerobic respiration which does use oxygen. ... Putrefaction is the decomposition of proteins, especially by anaerobic microorganisms. ... Indole is an aromatic heterocyclic organic compound. ... Skatole or 3-methylindole is a mildly toxic white crystalline organic compound with chemical formula C9H9N and CAS number 83-34-1. ... The polyamines are organic compounds having two or more primary amino groups - such as putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, and spermine - that are growth factors in both eucaryotic and procaryotic cells. ... Hydrogen sulfide (hydrogen sulphide in British English) is the chemical compound with the formula H2S. This colorless, toxic and flammable gas is responsible for the foul odor of rotten eggs and flatulence. ... Methyl mercaptan (IUPAC name - methanethiol) is a colorless gas with a smell like rotten cabbage. ... Dimethyl sulfide causes that distinctive smell from your St. ...

The odors are produced mainly due to the anaerobic breakdown of proteins into individual amino acids, followed by the further breakdown of certain amino acids to produce detectable foul gases. For example, the breakdown of cysteine and methionine produce hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan respectively. Volatile sulfur compounds have been shown to be statistically associated with oral malodor levels, and usually decrease following successful treatment.^[5] A representation of the 3D structure of myoglobin, showing coloured alpha helices. ... This article is about the class of chemicals. ... Gas phase particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) move around freely Gas is one of the four major states of matter, consisting of freely moving atoms or molecules without a definite shape and without a definite volume. ... Cysteine is a naturally occurring, sulfur-containing amino acid that is found in most proteins, although only in small quantities. ... Methionine is an α-amino acid with the chemical formula HO2CCH(NH2)CH2CH2SCH3. ...

Other parts of the mouth may also contribute to the overall odor, but are not as common as the back of the tongue. These locations are, in descending prevalence order: inter-dental and sub-gingival niches, faulty dental work, food-impaction areas in-between the teeth, abscesses and unclean dentures.^[6] This article is about the dental profession. ... For the death metal band, see Abscess (band). ... A maxillary denture. ...

Gum disease

There is some controversy over the role of periodontal diseases in causing bad breath. Whereas bacteria growing below the gumline (subgingival dental plaque) have a foul smell upon removal, several studies reported no statistical correlation between malodor and periodontal parameters.^[7][8] Periodontitis, formerly known as Pyorrhea alveolaris, is the name of a collection of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth. ... Improper removal of plaque caused a build up of calculus (dark yellow colour) near the gums on almost all the teeth. ...

Nose

The second major source of bad breath is the nose. In this instance, the odor exiting the nostrils has a pungent odor which differs from the oral odor. Nasal odor may be due to sinus infections or foreign bodies.^[5][6] For other uses, see Nose (disambiguation). ... A nostril is one of the two channels of the nose, from the point where they bifurcate to the external opening. ... Sinusitis is an inflammation, either bacterial, viral or allergic, of the paranasal sinuses. ... Endoscopy image of gastric foreign body (toothbrush). ...

Tonsils

Putrefaction from the tonsils is generally considered a minor cause of bad breath (contributing to some 3-5% of cases). Although some people (approximately 5% of the population) suffer from small bits of calcified matter in tonsillar crypts (called tonsilloliths), which themselves smell extremely foul when released, they do not necessarily cause bad breath.^[5][9] Putrefaction is the decomposition of proteins, especially by anaerobic microorganisms. ... This article or section contains too much jargon and may need simplification or further explanation. ... For other uses, see Calcium (disambiguation). ... A small tonsillolith A large tonsillolith A tonsillolith protrudes from the tonsil A tonsillolith (also called tonsil stone or calculus of the tonsil) is a piece (or more commonly, a cluster) of calcareous matter which forms in the rear of the mouth, in the crevasses (called crypts) of the palatine...

Systemic diseases

There are a few systemic (non oral) medical conditions which may cause foul breath odor, but these are extremely infrequent in the general population. Such conditions are: ^[10][11]

1. Fetor hepaticus: an example of a rare type of bad breath caused by chronic liver failure.
2. Lower respiratory tract infections (Bronchial and lung infections).
3. Renal infections and renal failure.
4. Carcinoma.
5. Trimethylaminuria ("fish odor syndrome").
6. Diabetes mellitus.
7. Metabolic dysfunction.

People suffering from halitosis should not immediately conclude that they suffer from these conditions or diseases just by deducing from the breath odor alone, since these conditions are rare, may not display bad breath at all and will most likely show additional characters, which are more definitive than the breath odor. Fetor hepaticus, also known as breath of the dead, is a condition of gastrointestinal mercaptan formation frequently associated with liver failure. ... Liver failure is the final stage of liver disease. ... While often used as a synonym for pneumonia, the rubric of lower respiratory tract infection can also be applied to other types of infection including lung abscess, acute bronchitis, and empyema. ... Nephritis is inflammation of the kidney. ... Renal failure or kidney failure is a situation in which the kidneys fail to function adequately. ... In medicine, carcinoma is any cancer that arises from epithelial cells. ... Trimethylamine, also known as NMe3, N(CH3)3, and TMA, is a colorless, hygroscopic, and flammable simple amine with a typical fishy odor in low concentrations and an ammonia-like odor in higher concentrations. ... For the disease characterized by excretion of large amounts of very dilute urine, see diabetes insipidus. ... Structure of the coenzyme adenosine triphosphate, a central intermediate in energy metabolism. ...

Most researchers consider the stomach as a very uncommon source of bad breath (except in belching). The esophagus is a closed and collapsed tube, and continuous flow (as opposed to a simple burp) of gas or putrid substances from the stomach indicates a health problem - such as reflux or a fistula between the stomach and the esophagus - which will demonstrate more serious manifestations than just foul odor.^[2] In anatomy, the stomach is a bean-shaped hollow muscular organ of the gastrointestinal tract involved in the second phase of digestion, following mastication. ... The process of burping, also known as a belching or eructation, is an often audible release through the mouth of gas that has accumulated in the stomach or esophagus. ... The esophagus (also spelled oesophagus/Å“sophagus, Greek ), or gullet is an organ in vertebrates which consists of a muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. ... In anatomy, the stomach is a bean-shaped hollow muscular organ of the gastrointestinal tract involved in the second phase of digestion, following mastication. ... Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, or GORD when -oesophageal, the BE form, is substituted) is injury to the esophagus that develops from chronic exposure of the esophagus to acid coming up from the stomach (reflux). ... In medicine, a fistula (pl. ...

Diagnosis

Self diagnosis and home diagnosis

Scientists have long thought that smelling one's own breath odor is often difficult due to habituation, although many people with bad breath are able to detect it in others. Research has suggested that self-evaluation of halitosis isn't easy because of preconceived notions of how bad we think it should be. Some people assume that they have bad breath because of bad taste (metallic, sour, fecal, etc), however bad taste is considered a poor indicator.^[12][13] In psychology, habituation is an example of non-associative learning in which there is a progressive diminution of behavioral response probability with repetition of a stimulus. ... For the social and aesthetic aspects of taste, see taste (sociology). ...

For these reasons, the simplest and most effective way to know whether one has bad breath is to ask a trusted adult family member or very close friend ("confidant"). If the confidant confirms that there is a breath problem, he or she can help determine whether it is coming from the mouth or the nose, and whether a particular treatment is effective or not.^[14] The confidant character is usually someone the lead character confides in and trusts. ...

One popular home method to determine the presence of bad breath is to lick the back of the wrist, let the saliva dry for a minute or two, and smell the result. This test results in overestimation, as concluded from research,^[2] and should be avoided. A better way would be to lightly scrape the posterior back of the tongue with a plastic disposable spoon and to smell the drying residue. A spouse, family member, or close friend may be willing to smell one's breath and provide honest feedback. Home tests are now available which use a chemical reaction to test for the presence of polyamines and sulfur compounds on tongue swabs, but there are few studies showing how well they actually detect the odor. Furthermore, since breath odor changes in intensity throughout the day depending on many factors, multiple testing may be necessary. This article is being considered for deletion in accordance with Wikipedias deletion policy. ... In human anatomy, the wrist is the flexible and narrower connection between the forearm and the palm. ... For the band, see Saliva (band). ... Estimation is the calculated approximation of a result which is usable even if input data may be incomplete, uncertain, or noisy. ... For the superhero, see Feedback (Dark Horse Comics). ... The polyamines are organic compounds, such as putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, that are growth factors in both eucaryotic and procaryotic cells. ...

Professional diagnosis

If bad breath is persistent, and all other medical and dental factors have been ruled out, specialized testing and treatment is required. Hundreds of dental offices and commercial breath clinics now claim to diagnose and treat bad breath. They often use some of several laboratorial methods for diagnosis of bad breath:

1. Halimeter™: a portable sulfide monitor used to test for levels of sulfur emissions (specifically, hydrogen sulfide) in the mouth air. When used properly this device can be very effective at determining levels of certain VSC-producing bacteria. However, it has drawbacks in clinical applications. For example, other common sulfides (such as mercaptan) are not recorded as easily and can be misrepresented in test results. Certain foods such as garlic and onions produce sulfur in the breath for as long as 48 hours and can result in false readings. The Halimeter is also very sensitive to alcohol, so one should avoid drinking alcohol or using alcohol-containing mouthwashes for at least 12 hours prior to being tested. This analog machine loses sensitivity over time and requires periodic recalibration to remain accurate.^[15]
2. Gas chromatography: portable machines, such as the OralChroma™, are currently being introduced.^[16] This technology is specifically designed to digitally measure molecular levels of the three major VSCs in a sample of mouth air (hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide). It is accurate in measuring the sulfur components of the breath and produces visual results in graph form via computer interface.^[17]
3. BANA test: this test is directed to find the salivary levels of an enzyme indicating the presence of certain halitosis-related bacteria.^[18]
4. β-galactosidase test: salivary levels of this enzyme were found to be correlated with oral malodor.^[19]

Although such instrumentation and examinations are widely used in breath clinics, the most important measurement of bad breath (the gold standard) is the actual sniffing and scoring of the level and type of the odor carried out by trained experts ("organoleptic measurements"). The level of odor is usually assessed on a six point intensity scale.^[1][5][20] A Halimeter is an instrument for measurement of the level of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in the mouth. ... Hydrogen sulfide (hydrogen sulphide in British English) is the chemical compound with the formula H2S. This colorless, toxic and flammable gas is responsible for the foul odor of rotten eggs and flatulence. ... In chemistry, thiols (formerly known as mercaptans) are those compounds which contain the thiol group -SH attached to a carbon atom. ... Gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), or simply gas chromatography (GC) is a type of chromatography in which the mobile phase is a carrier gas, usually an inert gas such as helium or nitrogen, and the stationary phase is a microscopic layer of liquid on an inert solid support. ... Hydrogen sulfide (hydrogen sulphide in British English) is the chemical compound with the formula H2S. This colorless, toxic and flammable gas is responsible for the foul odor of rotten eggs and flatulence. ... Methyl mercaptan (IUPAC name - methanethiol) is a colorless gas with a smell like rotten cabbage. ... Dimethyl sulfide causes that distinctive smell from your St. ... Ribbon diagram of the enzyme TIM, surrounded by the space-filling model of the protein. ... Lactase (or β-galactosidase) is the enzyme involved in the hydrolysis of lactose to galactose and glucose. ... Inhalation is the movement of air from the external environment, through the airways, into the alveoli during breathing. ...

Home care and treatment

Currently, chronic halitosis is not very well understood by most physicians and dentists, so effective treatment is not always easy to find. Six strategies may be suggested: For other uses, see Doctor. ... X-rays can reveal if a person has cavities Dentistry is the practical application of knowledge of dental science (the science of placement, arrangement, function of teeth) to human beings. ...

1. Eating a healthy breakfast with rough foods helps clean the very back of the tongue ^[11].
2. Gently cleaning the tongue surface twice daily with a tongue brush, tongue scraper or tongue cleaner to wipe off the bacterial biofilm, debris and mucus. An inverted teaspoon is also effective; a toothbrush should be avoided, as the bristles will grip the tongue, causing a gagging reflex. Scraping or otherwise damaging the tongue should be avoided, and scraping of the V-shaped row of taste buds found at the extreme back of the tongue should also be avoided. Brushing a small amount of antibacterial mouth rinse or tongue gel onto the tongue surface will further inhibit bacterial action.^[2]
3. Chewing gum: Since dry mouth can increase bacterial buildup and cause or worsen bad breath, chewing sugarless gum can help with the production of saliva, and thereby help to reduce bad breath. Chewing may help particularly when the mouth is dry, or when one cannot perform oral hygiene procedures after meals (especially those meals rich in protein). This aids in provision of saliva, which washes away oral bacteria, has antibacterial properties and promotes mechanical activity which helps cleanse the mouth. Some chewing gums contain special anti-odor ingredients. Chewing on fennel seeds, cinnamon sticks, mastic gum or fresh parsley are common folk remedies.
4. Gargling right before bedtime with an effective mouthwash (see below). Several types of commercial mouthwashes have been shown to reduce malodor for hours in peer-reviewed scientific studies. Mouthwashes may contain active ingredients which are inactivated by the soap present in most toothpastes. Thus it is recommended to refrain from using mouthwash directly after toothbrushing with paste (also see mouthwashes, below).^[21]
5. Maintaining proper oral hygiene, including brushing, daily flossing, and periodic visits to dentists and hygienists. Flossing is particularly important in removing rotting food debris and bacterial plaque from between the teeth, especially at the gumline. Dentures should be properly cleaned and soaked overnight in antibacterial solution (unless otherwise advised by your dentist).^[6]
6. Maintain water levels in the body by drinking several glasses of water a day.^[2]

Tongue Scraper A tongue scraper is a device with a plastic or metal loop in one end which is used to clean the tongue by removing the coating of plaque. ... Staphylococcus aureus biofilm on an indwelling catheter. ... Image:Teaspoon sugar. ... Three toothbrushes The toothbrush is an instrument used to clean teeth, consisting of a small brush on a handle. ... Taste buds are small structures on the upper surface of the tongue, soft palate, and epiglottis that provide information about the taste of food being eaten. ... An antiseptic is a substance that kills or prevents the growth of bacteria on the external surfaces of the body. ... Chewing gum Chewing gum is a type of confectionery, traditionally, made of chicle, a natural latex product, although for reasons of economy and quality many modern chewing gums use rubber instead of chicle. ... For the band, see Saliva (band). ... Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean in order to prevent cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, periodontitis, bad breath (halitosis), and other dental disorders. ... A representation of the 3D structure of myoglobin, showing coloured alpha helices. ... Binomial name Foeniculum vulgare Mill. ... Binomial name J.Presl Cassia (Chinese cinnamon) is also commonly called (and sometimes sold as) cinnamon. ... Binomial name L. Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 3–4 m tall, mainly cultivated for its aromatic resin on the Greek island of Chios,[1]. It is native throughout the Mediterranean region, from Morocco and Iberia at the east through southern France and... This article is about the herb. ... A home remedy is a treatment or cure for a disease or other ailment that employs certain foods or other common household items. ... Gargling is a common method of cleansing the throat, especially if one has a sore throat or upper-respiratory virus or infection. ... Peer review (known as refereeing in some academic fields) is a scholarly process used in the publication of manuscripts and in the awarding of funding for research. ... A collection of decorative soaps used for human hygiene purposes. ... Modern toothpaste gel Toothpaste is a paste or gel dentifrice used to clean and improve the aesthetic appearance and health of teeth. ... Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean in order to prevent cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, periodontitis, bad breath (halitosis), and other dental disorders. ... This article does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Dental floss is a thin, nylon string that is used to remove food and plaque from the teeth. ... X-rays can reveal if a person has cavities Dentistry is the practical application of knowledge of dental science (the science of placement, arrangement, function of teeth) to human beings. ... Hygiene and Good Habits are commonly understood as preventing infection through cleanliness. ... A maxillary denture. ... Impact from a water drop causes an upward rebound jet surrounded by circular capillary waves. ...

Mouthwashes

Mouthwashes often contain antibacterial agents including cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, zinc gluconate, essential oils, and chlorine dioxide. They may also contain alcohol, which is a drying agent and may worsen the problem. Rinses in this category include Scope™ and Listerine™. For the Kate Nash song see Mouthwash (song) For the ska-punk band, see Mouthwash (band) Mouthwash or mouth rinse is a product used for oral hygiene. ... Cetylpyridinium chloride is a cationic quaternary ammonium compound in some types of mouthwash such as Crest Pro-Health. ... Chlorhexidine (free base) structure Chlorhexidine Gluconate is an antiseptic used as an active ingredient in mouthwash designed to kill plaque and other oral bacteria. ... Zinc gluconate is the salt of gluconate and zinc II. It is an ionic compound consisting of two moles of gluconate for each mole of zinc. ... An essential oil is a concentrated, hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aromatic compounds from plants. ... Chlorine dioxide is a chemical compound with the formula ClO2. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Various Listerine products Listerine is a brand name for antiseptic mouthwash. ...

Other solutions rely on odor eliminators like oxidizers to eliminate existing bad breath on a short-term basis. Rinses in this category include TheraBreath™, Closys™ and others. European Union Chemical hazard symbol for oxidizing agents Dangerous goods label for oxidizing agents Oxidizing agent placard An oxidizing agent (also called an oxidant or oxidizer) is A chemical compound that readily transfers oxygen atoms or A substance that gains electrons in a redox chemical reaction. ...

Bad breath may be temporarily reduced by using a hydrogen peroxide rinse. Hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 1.5% can be taken as an oral antiseptic by gargling 10 ml, about two teaspoons. Hydrogen peroxide is commonly available at a concentration of 3% and should be diluted to 1.5% by mixing it with an equal volume of water. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer which kills most bacteria, including useful aerobic bacteria. Prolonged use of hydrogen peroxide may be harmful. Concentrated hydrogen peroxide (>50%) is corrosive, and even domestic-strength solutions can cause irritation to the eyes, mucous membranes and skin. Swallowing hydrogen peroxide solutions is particularly dangerous, as decomposition in the stomach releases large quantities of gas (10 times the volume of a 3% solution) leading to internal bleeding. Inhaling over 10% can cause severe pulmonary irritation. R-phrases , , , , S-phrases , , , ,, , , , Flash point Non-flammable Related Compounds Related compounds Water Ozone Hydrazine Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 Â°C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a very pale blue liquid which appears colourless in... For other uses, see Concentration (disambiguation). ... An antiseptic solution of Povidone-iodine applied to an abrasion Antiseptics (Greek αντί, against, and σηπτικός, putrefactive) are antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction. ... Image:Teaspoon sugar. ... An oxidizing agent is a substance that oxidizes another substance in electrochemistry or redox chemical reactions in general. ... Bacteria that require oxygen for respiration. ... For the hazard, see corrosive. ... For other uses, see Eye (disambiguation). ... The mucous membranes (or mucosae; singular: mucosa) are linings of mostly endodermal origin, covered in epithelium, and are involved in absorption and secretion. ... For other uses, see Skin (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Bleeding (disambiguation). ... Human respiratory system The lungs flank the heart and great vessels in the chest cavity. ...

A relatively new approach for home-care of bad breath is by oil-containing mouthwashes. The use of essential oils has been studied,^[22] was found effective and is being used in several commercial mouthwashes, as well as the use of two-phase (oil:water) mouthwashes, which have been found to be effective in reducing oral malodor.^[23]

Halitophobia (delusion halitosis)

Some one quarter of the patients seeking professional advice on bad breath suffer from a highly exaggerated concern of having bad breath, known as halitophobia, delusional halitosis, or as a manifestation of Olfactory Reference Syndrome. These patients are sure that they have bad breath, although many have not asked anyone for an objective opinion. Halitophobia may severely affect the lives of some 0.5-1.0% of the adult population.^[24] Only few psychologists and health professionals have tried to come to terms with this debilitating and difficult-to-treat emotional problem.^[25][26] Halitosis, oral malodor (scientific term), breath odor, foul breath, fetor oris, or most commonly bad breath are terms used to describe noticeably unpleasant odors exhaled in breathing – whether the smell is from an oral source or not. ... A delusion is commonly defined as a fixed false belief and is used in everyday language to describe a belief that is either false, fanciful or derived from deception. ... Olfactory Reference Syndrome (ORS) describes the psychiatric condition of being excessively concerned with ones body odor. ...

Scientific research

In 1996, an international scientific organization (The International Society for Breath Odor Research, ISBOR) was formed to promote multidisciplinary research on all aspects of breath odors. The seventh international conference on breath odor took place in August, 2007 in Chicago, and the next conference is expected to take place in 2009 in Dortmund, Germany. Interdisciplinary work is that which integrates concepts across different disciplines. ...

See also

• Periodontitis
• Dental caries
• Tooth abscess
• Postnasal drip
• Oral hygiene
• Toothbrush
• Tongue scraper
• Mouthwash
• Toothpaste

Periodontitis, formerly known as Pyorrhea alveolaris, is the name of a collection of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth. ... A tooth abscess or root abscess is pus enclosed in the tissues of the jaw bone at the tip of an infected tooth. ... Post-nasal drip (PND) occurs when excessive mucus is produced by the sinuses. ... Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean in order to prevent cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, periodontitis, bad breath (halitosis), and other dental disorders. ... Three toothbrushes The toothbrush is an instrument used to clean teeth, consisting of a small brush on a handle. ... Tongue Scraper A tongue scraper is a device with a plastic or metal loop in one end which is used to clean the tongue by removing the coating of plaque. ... For the Kate Nash song see Mouthwash (song) For the ska-punk band, see Mouthwash (band) Mouthwash or mouth rinse is a product used for oral hygiene. ... Modern toothpaste gel Toothpaste is a paste or gel dentifrice used to clean and improve the aesthetic appearance and health of teeth. ...

References

External links

• American Academy of Periodontology.
• Halitosis – fact file – of the British Dental Association.
• Bad Breath – by Mayo Clinic.
• Article on Bad Breath prevention – from CNN.com.
• Article on Bad-Breath Prevention Products – from MSNBC.
• ISBOR – International society for breath odor research.
• Halitosis Sufferers Forum