Halitosis - And Bad Breath

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. It is derived from the Latin word "halitus," which means breath, and the Greek suffix "osis," which means condition.  Halitosis is a complex problem that affects some individuals more than others but is nothing but the medical word for bad breath.  Halitosis is a very common condition, and the treatment for it is normally very easy.

Halitosis is a general term applied to any offensive odor emanating from the breath, regardless of source. It is a dynamic condition that is influenced by the degree of salivation, mastication. 

Halitosis is classified into categories of genuine halitosis, pseudo-halitosis and halitophobia.  Halitosis is very prevalent problem which effects most people at some time in their life.

It is commonplace just before dawn amongst a lot of people: usually before the routine brushing of the mouth in the Morning.

Many have reported that halitosis is an embarrassing problem that interferes with the development of strong personal relationships, both social and sexual.  More than just a social problem, halitosis is a dental and medical problem.

The Department of Internal Medicine, says that halitosis is any detectable offensive smell carried on the breath. 

Halitosis is a frequent complaint which is estimated to be found in around 50%-60% of the general population and this carries serious personal and social repercussions. 

My extensive, worldwide research has led me to conclude that halitosis is caused by a type of bacteria that lives below the surface of the tongue.

Genuine halitosis is subclassified into physiologic halitosis and pathologic halitosis.  Bad Breath/ Halitosis is as old as mankind itself.  Even though publicly speaking about halitosis is still a taboo, everyone whose attention is brought to this flaw is embarrassed.

Bad breath or halitosis is also responsible for a significant amount of fear and insecurity in social interactions, as it can be difficult to know if your own breath is offensive.

Editor's Note: Ain't that the truth, I have had many experiences of coming in contact with bad breath problems and for something that is so easy to avoid, I must say, it is so common. Personally, it does distract me from appreciating the person themselves, as first impressions do last with me. I don't think I am alone on this one and would urge anyone with this problem to sort it out now! I can understand someone not being able to deal with other problems, and we all have them, but this is just "house-cleaning" so-to-speak...  This is definitely one problem that one can easily solved with some small effort, maybe get a tonguescraper device, cheap and effective, I have used one for 15 years...  just my 2 cents!