title: Microbiology and Treatment of Halitosis.
abstract: The many thousands of individuals who experience oral malodor that stems from the overgrowth of proteolytic, anaerobic bacteria on their tongue surfaces can be successfully treated by a regimen that includes tongue brushing and tooth brushing, often in combination with a mouthrinse containing an antibacterial agent. Several candidate mouthrinses containing essential oils (Listerine; Warner-Lambert, Morris Plains, NJ), ZnCl(2), chlorine dioxide, or an oil:water-cetylpyridium chloride mouthrinse have reduced the organoleptic scores of individuals with moderate levels of oral malodor in the absence of tongue brushing. Very little long-term data beyond 6 weeks of use are available.
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan School of Dentistry, 1011 N. University, Ann Arbor MI, 48109, USA. wloesche@umich.edu
authors.forename: Walter J.
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Loesche