Halitosis is bad breath or bad odor in the mouth. The causes can be oral, due to a problem in some organ of the mouth (teeth, gums, saliva or tongue) or extraoral (alterations of the respiratory tract, digestive tract…). It usually originates in the mouth, as a consequence of the decomposition of food bacteria.
The most recent advances and findings in the treatment of Halitosis have substantially increased the success rate of its cure. The causes of this success are the following:
Increased understanding of the causes and pathophysiological phenomena involved.
Scientific research on the causes of halitosis has managed to go deeper into its generating conditions. For example, taking tricyclic antidepressants has recently been linked to halitosis. This evolution has made the diagnosis more solid and comprehensive.
The unidisciplinary approach has given way to a multidisciplinary approach.
After noting the variety of causes involved, dental practices specializing in halitosis have progressed to a multidisciplinary approach. This situation has made it possible to avoid the constant transfer of patients between specialties.
Improvement of specific diagnostic technology
The technology used to diagnose and treat halitosis has been perfected. These advances have made it possible to refine and improve not only the procedure, but also the quality of the final result.
More effective therapeutic agents
Parallel to the technological developments in measuring devices, new techniques and therapeutic agents of greater efficacy have emerged in recent years. In this way, a more decisive action of the treatment has been achieved.
Development of specific clinical protocols
With the experience gained through the treatment of halitosis, clinical diagnostic protocols have been developed for systematic use. Some of these protocols are innovative, with specific guidelines and methodologies.
Many patients and professionals continue to believe that if bad breath is not solved by re-education of oral hygiene habits, it may not have a solution. The success rate in the treatment of bad breath began to register with the appearance of the first clinical centers during the 1990s, led by trained researchers with access to the latest discoveries on the pathology. Since 1996, the results obtained have been markedly superior.