Halitosis: a social stigma

Authors

  • Maria das Graças Afonso Miranda Chaves UFJF
  • Matheus Furtado de Carvalho UFJF
  • Paula Afonso Rodrigues UFJF

Keywords:

Halitose. Diagnóstico. Higiene bucal.

Abstract

Under normal conditions, human breath is odorless or slightly perceptible, changing from pleasant to unpleasant, depending on the sensitivity of the observer. Halitosis or bad breath is an abnormality present in approximately 60% of the world's population and is not considered a disease. The belief that every unpleasant breath is indicative of an organic problem has not been substantiated.  The etiology of halitosis may be multifactorial even in the same individual, with respiratory, gastrointestinal, physical, mental and especially oral factors making the greatest contribution.  Halitosis represents a real biopsychosocial obstacle, being directly influential on family life, work, social environment and sexual life. Diagnosis is unitemporal and specific, requiring in some occasions a multidisciplinary approach. This study presents a literature review of concepts, causes, diagnosis, prevention and possible treatments recommended for halitosis.
Keywords: Halitosis. Diagnosis. Oral hygiene

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Author Biographies

Maria das Graças Afonso Miranda Chaves, UFJF

Professora da disciplina Patologia Maxilo-facial da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Doutora em Biopatologia Bucal pela UNESP.

Matheus Furtado de Carvalho, UFJF

Aluno de Graduação da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora.

Paula Afonso Rodrigues, UFJF

Aluna de Graduação da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora.

Published

2009-04-11

How to Cite

1.
Chaves M das GAM, de Carvalho MF, Rodrigues PA. Halitosis: a social stigma. HU Rev [Internet]. 2009Apr.11 [cited 2024Nov.21];34(4). Available from: https://periodicos.ufjf.br/index.php/hurevista/article/view/102

Issue

Section

Artigos de Revisão da Literatura

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