Oral Malodor: A Common Oral Problem

Oral malodor has been recognized in the literature since ancient times, but in the last five to six years it has increasingly come to the forefront of public and dental professional awareness [1]. Approximately 40-50% of dentists see 6-7 self-proclaimed oral malodor patients per week [2]. Oral malodor is the subjective perception after smelling someone’s breath. It can be pleasant, unpleasant, or even disturbing, if not repulsive. It is extremely common and majority of adult population have had it at some point in time [3]. At least 50% of the population suffers from a chronic oral malodor condition by which individuals experience personal discomfort and social embarrassment leading to emotional distress. The consequences of oral malodor may be more than social; it may reflect serious local or systemic conditions [1].