N. Sterer, M. Rosenberg, Breath Odors
2011
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Abstract
Breath odor or halitosis denotes any type of disagreeable scent felt on a person’s breath during exhalation and speech. These odors have many different causes and may originate from various locations such as the oral cavity, nasal cavity, upper respiratory tract, and lungs. According to research performed in multidisciplinary breath clinics (involving professionals from various fields: dentistry, E.N.T., internal medicine, and psychology) in various centers, some 90% of breath odors originate from within the oral cavity itself (Table 2.1). This condition in which the malodor originates from the mouth is commonly known as oral malodor (also termed: Fetor oris or Feotor ex ora). The potential loci for malodor production within the oral cavity include the posterior portion of tongue’s dorsum, subgingival areas (e.g., periodontal pockets and interdental spaces), faulty restorations (e.g., leaking crowns and bridges), dental implants, dentures, and abscesses. Furthermore, transient oral dryness brought about by a temporal reduction in saliva flow plays an important part in promoting this condition. Breath odors from the mouth are most commonly measured directly by human odor judges, or indirectly, based on the levels of volatile sulfide compounds (VSC) within the oral cavity (for further details, see Chap. 8).