ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the medical condition of halitosis. Halitosis, or foul-smelling breath, has been recognised and treated in various ways for centuries. Halitosis can be a serious problem in the care of a terminally ill patient, creating a barrier between the patient and their family and causing social isolation. Halitosis can have several causes, which can arise from oral, respiratory tract or gut problems. Gastric stasis with reflux of stomach contents into the oesophagus may cause halitosis. This can be treated with drugs such as metoclopramide or domperidone. Thousands of years ago, Jewish women used a peppercorn carried in their mouths as a breath freshener. A dry mouth should be treated with artificial saliva, and a reasonable fluid intake should be maintained. Anaerobic infection of the gums often causes halitosis and is easily treated with oral metronidazole.
