Halitosis: Breath Behaving Badly

Chapter Five - Conclusions

Chapter 1: Oral Microflora and Volatile Compounds

Chapter 2: Diagnosis of Bad Breath

Chapter 3: Oral Hygiene to Reduce Halitosis

Chapter 4: Other Sources of Bad Breath

Chapter 5: Conclusions

Introduction

The Future Direction of

Introduction

Sometimes halitosis is linked with serious and sobering consequences. Dr. Yaegaki relates a case involving a 60-year old professional man. Dr. Yaegaki examined the patient to find tongue coating. The patient was instructed in tongue debridement and given a zinc mouthrinse. He returned after 2 weeks and the odor remained. Dr. Yaegaki referred the patient for counseling because the patient was depressed from his wife's death and other issues at his work. The counselor recommended a long vacation, but the patient refused for fear of losing his job. The patient was referred to a psychiatrist, but committed suicide before the treatment could begin.xii

The following ideas are generally accepted among the Bad Breath Research Community:

Volatile sulfur compounds (hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan) are found in bad breath.
The coating on the dorsum of the tongue is the primary area of bacterial putrefication responsible for most mouth odors.
Proper home care including tongue cleansing will reduce oral malodor.

The following ideas seem to be conflicting in studies:

The relationship between oral hygiene and bad breath.
The relationship between periodontal disease and bad breath.

Continue on to The Future Direction of Bad Breath Research