Halitosis: etiology, prevention, and the role of microbiota.

Zhengrui Li, Jing Li, Rao Fu, Ji'an Liu, Xutao Wen, Ling Zhang

Journal: Clinical oral investigations 2023;27(11):6383-6393

PMID: 37843633

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to review halitosis research, discuss its various causes, and propose effective interventions based on the underlying etiologies and mechanisms. The main research question is to identify the primary factors contributing to halitosis and appropriate strategies to address them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was conducted on halitosis and its associated causes, including oral pathological factors, oral microbial influences, microbial metabolic pathways, gastrointestinal diseases, and gut microbiota dysbiosis.

RESULTS

Unhealthy eating habits and an imbalance of microorganisms in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract were identified as primary causes of halitosis. Dental caries, periodontal disease, xerostomia, and digestive disorders like gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome were also found to be related to the development of halitosis. Due to poor oral hygiene or antibiotic use, disruption of microbial communities can result in dysbiosis, inflammation, and halitosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Halitosis is a multifactorial condition with various underlying causes, including oral and systemic diseases. Effective interventions should be tailored based on the specific etiologies and mechanisms involved.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Understanding the factors contributing to halitosis is crucial for developing appropriate treatment strategies. Enhancing oral hygiene habits, using antimicrobial drugs, or administering probiotics may help regulate oral or intestinal flora, thereby improving halitosis and overall oral health.

Address: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.; National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China.; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, China.; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China.; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China.; Shanghai Center of Head and Neck Oncology Clinical and Translational Science, Shanghai, China.; Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. [email protected].; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. [email protected].; National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai, China. [email protected].; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, China. [email protected].; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China. [email protected].; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China. [email protected].; Shanghai Center of Head and Neck Oncology Clinical and Translational Science, Shanghai, China. [email protected].

DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05292-9

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https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00784-023-05292-9

MeSH Terms: Humans, Halitosis, Dental Caries, Dysbiosis, Oral Hygiene, Microbiota