Halitosis
Pronunciation: hal-ih-TOH-sis
A clinical term for persistent malodour originating from the oral cavity or, less commonly, systemic or respiratory sources.
Full Definition
Halitosis is broadly categorised as genuine (oral or extraoral) or pseudo-halitosis (perceived by the patient but undetected clinically). The predominant oral cause is the production of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) by anaerobic bacteria colonising the dorsal tongue, periodontal pockets, and interdental spaces. Systemic causes include hepatic or renal disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, and certain respiratory conditions. Editors should ensure that 'halitosis' is not used interchangeably with 'fetor oris', which some sources reserve specifically for the odour of oral sepsis, and that the term is never rendered as 'bad breath' in formal clinical documents. It is spelled with one 'l'.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'halitosis' in clinical and patient-facing documents; 'oral malodour' is acceptable in academic writing. Avoid 'bad breath' in formal records.
In Context
- "The patient's chief complaint included halitosis of six months' duration that had not responded to commercial mouthwash." — Medical and dental history form
- "Halitosis was noted during the intraoral assessment, warranting examination of the tongue dorsum and periodontal status." — Clinical progress note