Halitosis: the multidisciplinary approach

Abstract

Further research is required into the extra-oral causes of halitosis, or bad breath, together with new methods for detection and treatment. In a comprehensive review of all global research on the condition, Curd Bollen and Thomas Beikler of the University of Dusseldorf, Germany, conclude that halitosis is a poorly researched disease, mainly due to the social taboos it presents. They also note that halitosis affects some 25% of the world population and has a large social and economic impact. Although poor oral hygiene, along with microorganisms present on the tongue, are the main causes of the problem, serious illnesses such as liver disease can also trigger halitosis. Bollen and Beikler found very few effective treatments for the problem, and recommend a thorough, multi-disciplinary approach for future research and development in order to generate accurate diagnoses and treatments.

Keywords

halitosis / microbiology / periodontology

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