title: Halitosis - An overview: Part-I - Classification, etiology, and pathophysiology of halitosis.
abstract: Halitosis is a condition where the breath is altered in an unpleasant manner for the affected individuals and impairs them socially as well as psychologically. Halitosis can be clinically classified as real halitosis, pseudohalitosis, and halitophobia. Real halitosis has oral and extra-oral etiologies and the pathophysiology involves interaction of anaerobic microbes (mainly) with the proteins present in the oral cavity fluids and contents, resulting in production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). These VSCs, beyond responsible for halitosis, can also initiate and accelerate periodontal disease progression. Thus, this review is about the pathophysiology and various etiologies of halitosis, the knowledge of which can help in the betterment of treatment options.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Microbiology, College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Madhushankari
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology, Vivekanandha Dental College for Women, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Andamuthu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yamunadevi
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Microbiology, Mahe Institute of Dental Science and Hospital, Mahe, U.T. of Puducherry, India.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Selvamani
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Microbiology, College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Mohan Kumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Microbiology, College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Praveen S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Basandi
keywords: Anaerobic microbes; halitosis; pseudohalitosis; volatile sulfur compounds