Halitosis is a general term used to describe any disagreeable odour of expired air from the mouth. [1] [2] Mild transient halitosis is usually caused by release of volatile odorous compounds from bacteria colonising oral surfaces. A more persistent form of halitosis is associated with certain oral, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disease that triggers local accumulation of bacteria.

Understanding the Context

Odorous ... Halitosis is a general term used to describe any disagreeable odor of expired air from the mouth. [1] [2] Mild transient halitosis is usually caused by release of volatile odorous compounds from bacteria colonizing oral surfaces. A more persistent form of halitosis is associated with certain oral, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disease that triggers local accumulation of bacteria.

Key Insights

Odorous ... Upper airway cough syndrome (UACS; postnasal drip) History frequent throat clearing, postnasal drip, nasal discharge, nasal obstruction or sneezing typical, halitosis Doctors call this pseudo-halitosis. Other things that can sometimes cause bad breath include diseases that affect the lungs or digestive system, such as infections. So if you have bad breath that doesn't get better with the usual treatments you should see your doctor. You may need treatment for another condition.

Final Thoughts

What are the symptoms? Full details Other diagnostic factors halitosis (hairy tongue and fissured tongue) bad taste in mouth (hairy tongue) discolouration (hairy tongue and fissured tongue) burning sensation (geographic tongue) oral mucosal pain (hairy tongue)