Halitosis (bad breath)

Halitosis – bad breath exhaled from the mouth. It is caused by sulfur, amino acids, or short-chain fatty acids elements. Temporary halitosis is usually caused by oral bacteria. Prolonged halitosis is caused by certain oral (cavities), dental (gum inflammation), nasal and throat (malignant diseases, sinusitis, tonsillitis), respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases leading to bacterial accumulation. Odorous particles can be released into the blood and later exhaled with air. In this way, bad breath can be caused by certain medications, food products (onions, garlic, spicy foods), or systemic diseases.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology