Commonly referred to as bad breath or unpleasant oral odour. It affects 25% of the population, being more common in adults over 50 years old.
Generally caused by bacteria, it is favoured by poor dental hygiene, alcoholism, consumption of certain foods, coffee, smoking and tooth decay.
It is characterised by bad breath, which in a lot of cases, the affected person cannot even detect.
It is diagnosed through clinical questioning and a detailed assessment of both mouth and nose. A throat culture may be carried out if the person experiences pain or mouth ulcers.
To treat the condition, it is recommended that tobacco, alcohol, coffee and strong tasting and smelling foods are avoided. Plenty of water should be drunk, teeth brushed and the back of the tongue cleaned.
- Mel Rosenberg, PhD. Bad breath. UpToDate, Junio 2016
- Nicholas Busaba, MD, FACS. Tonsillectomy in adults: Indications. UpToDate, diciembre 2015
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- Rosenberg M. Association among bad breath, body mass index, and alcohol intake. J Dent Res 2007; 86:997.
- Samuel C. Durso. Manifestaciones bucales de enfermedades. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 45.
