Halitosis - foeter ex ore. A literature review

This literature review will elucidate the halitosis-foeter ex ore complex to the oral therapeut. Methods used to evaluate the character of the breath and to analyse different compounds of mouth air are described. It is further discussed possible causes of offensive breath. Treatment of foeter ex ore in experimental studies points to the fact that thorough oral hygiene improves the character of the breath and decreases the concentration of sulphur compounds in mouth air. In light of this it is not justifiable to recommend patent remedies as the only therapeutic aid to patients suffering from foeter ex ore. After diagnosis of possible oral etiological factors it is recommended to eliminate these and to follow up with proper plaque control.