HalitosisR19.6
Synonym(s)
Bad breath worse; Foetor ex ore; Halitosis; Unpleasant bad breath
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Unpleasant odour formation in the mouth area of different aetiology.
EtiopathogenesisThis section has been translated automatically.
- Local causes in the mouth, nose and throat for foetor ex ore (often not noticed by the patient):
- Diseases of teeth and gums (caries, periodontosis, lack of teeth cleaning)
- Bacterial inflammations ( angina, plaut-vincenti, ozaena)
- Collapsing tumours
- Reduced salivation ( Sjögren's syndrome, mouth breathing, anticholinergic drugs)
- Nicotine abuse
- Exhalation of odorous substances from deeper lying organs: halitosis (is perceived by the patient).
- Lungs (purulent bronchitis, bronchiectasis, pneumonia)
- Gastrointestinal tract (esophageal diverticulum, carcinoma, achalasia, ileus)
- metabolic disorders (uremia, coma diabeticum, coma hepaticum)
- Absorption of odorous substances via the intestines and exhalation via the lungs (garlic, phosphorus, arsenic, tellurium, selenium)
- Essential halitosis: Exhalation of foul smelling fatty acids from unknown cause.
DiagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.
Thorough dental, ENT and internal medical examination.
Differential diagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.
Subjectively felt bad breath that cannot be objectified: hallucinatory odour sensation.
TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.
Treatment of a possible underlying disease.
Symptomatic therapy: Avoidance of food with intensive odour, tooth (pocket) cleaning, stimulation of salivary flow, e.g. by chewing gum, apples. If necessary, short-term trial with stomatological drugs such as cetylpyridinium chloride (Dobendan).
In case of essential halitosis, change to a low-fat diet (medium-chain fatty acids), change in the intestinal flora (lactulose).