Halitosis, popularly known as bad breath, is called the series of unpleasant odors that are emitted through the mouth. According to studies, this is a disease that affects one in two people around the world. Halitosis is considered a problem of a social nature, which is closely related to poor oral hygiene or, failing that, to diseases of the mouth, however, in many cases it is possible that it occurs as a consequence of some other pathology.
This pathology has been classified into three categories: first, true halitosis is located, followed by pseudohalitosis and finally halitophobia. On the other hand, true halitosis is divided into physiological halitosis and pathological halitosis, the latter being subclassified according to its origin, oral and extra-oral.
Among the etiological factors are described through the relationship between the pathogen, the host and the environment. The main cause of this condition being the putrefaction of substrates of protein origin, especially, by gram-negative microorganisms. All of this gives way to volatile sulfuric compounds, which are the most foul components of halitosis.
One of the most common classes of halitosis is oral, it originates in the oral cavity itself and is mainly due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque in the tissues of the tongue.
However, it should be mentioned that it can also be caused by other situations, such as periodontal problems, tooth decay, constant smoking, among others. According to various scientific studies, oral halitosis represents 90% of cases.
On the other hand, if halitosis originates outside the oral cavity, it is called extraoral halitosis. This is mainly the responsibility of systemic disorders, which occur within the upper / lower respiratory tract, the digestive system, in addition to liver or kidney diseases. Representing the other 10% of the cases.
Among the production of malodorous substances, the most common are Volatile Sulfur Compounds or CVS, which is related to the products resulting from the degradation of bacteria metabolism.
