Bad Breath-Halitosis

It is also known as Mouth Odour or halitosis. Halitosis, also termed as feter ex are or fetor oris, is foul or offensive odour emitted from the oral cavity emitted from the oral cavity. Mouth odours are of diagnostic significance.

The origin of Mouth Odours may be either oral or extra oral.

Oral cause has also been termed as oral malodor.

Diagnosis of bad breath

The Bad breath should be diagnosed by careful examination of the entire oral cavity. It should include the examination of the lips, the floor of the mouth, the tongue the palate and the oropharyngeal, region. Person should keep in mind to known about the quality and quantity of saliva.

Because, periodontal, periapical and other oral diseases may result in lymph mode changes and hence these should be routine examination of head and neck lymphnodes. Lymph can become enlarged or indurated as result of an infections episode. Inflammatory nodes become enlarged, palpable tender and completely immobile. The overlying skein may be red and warm. Patients are frequently aware of the presence of “swollen glands”. After successful therapy, the lymph nodes return to normal in a matter of day or a few weeks.

Treatment of bad breath

The patients suffering from bad breath should take special care of their oral hygiene. They should go for immediate removal of the causative agent of bad breath, like if any food lodgement is there, then scaling should be done. If the bad breath is due to carious lesion, then filling should be done. Nowadays lots of mouthwashes are available which helps to get rid off bad breath.

Flavoured mouthwashes are of great help. Moreover, Mouth Odour can be controlled by brushing the teeth with proper technique, atleast twice a day