Bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant odour that emanates from the mouth or oropharynx.

Words used to describe the fetid odour include it smelling like feces, fish, garlic, rotten eggs, musty, cheesy or sulphurous.

The odour is often subjective and is noticed when another individual breathes in some of the person’s exhaled air from their mouth. Often, but not always, the affected individual are not aware of the unpleasant odour.

Between 6% to 50% of adults have bad breath at one time or another. Thirty percent of adults are believed to suffer with chronic bad breath. Many others will avoid close contact with individuals who suffer from halitosis. Bad breath often makes one a social pariah or outcast. It is considered socially unacceptable when it comes to close personal contact.

There are many possible causes and sources of halitosis, including nasal and sinus infections, oropharynx issues including cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, periodontal disease, mouth ulcers, throat inflammation, tonsillar infection, esophageal inflammation, esophageal diverticulum, gastro-esophageal reflux, heartburn, bronchitis and lung disease.

Systemic diseases, like cancer and diabetes, may also cause unpleasant odours to emanate from the mouth.

Most experts agree the most common source of bad breath is the mouth itself. At least 80% of the time, the odour originates in the mouth. And 80%........

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