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Created page with "Also known as: '''''Bad breath — Foul breath''''' ==Introduction== Halitosis is the term used to describe a '''foul odour emanating from the oral cavity'''. The most common c..."
Also known as: '''''Bad breath — Foul breath'''''
==Introduction==
Halitosis is the term used to describe a '''foul odour emanating from the oral cavity'''.
The most common cause of halitosis is '''periodontal disease''', and the smell results from the bacterial populations associated with plaque, calculus, unhealthy tissues and decomposing food retained within the oral cavity.
As plaque ages and becomes ingrained, the bacterial flora changes to a more '''motile, gram-negative anaerobic population''' such as ''Porphyromonas, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium'' and ''Actinomyces'' species. As periodontitis progressed to pocket formation, food debris and bacterial breakdown products accumulate within the pocket and result in halitosis.
The bacteria generate volatile sulfur compounds such as '''hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and volatile fatty acids'''.
Many other causes for halitosis also exist:
'''Metabolic''': [[Diabetes Mellitus|diabetes]], [[Uraemia|uraemia]]
'''Respiratory''': sinusitis, rhinitis, neoplasia
'''Gastrointestinal''': megaoesophagus, foreign body, neoplasia
'''Dermatological''': [[Lip Fold Dermatitis|lip fold dermatitis]]
'''Dietary''': eating malodorous food, coprophagy
'''Oral disease''': periodontal disease, pharyngitis, neoplasia, foreign bodies
'''Trauma''': electric cord injuries, open fractures caustic agents
'''Autoimmune diseases'''
'''[[Eosinophilic Granuloma|Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex]]'''
'''Small breeds of dogs''', cats, and '''older animals''' in general are more predisposed to developing halitosis.
==Diagnosis==
'''Subjective''' methods of assessing halitosis may involve '''grading''' the condition into three levels: weak, moderate and strong.
An '''objective''' and accurate method of assessing odour release is by measuring sulfide concentration using an '''industrial sulfide monitor'''.
Other diagnostic procedures should include a full and thorough history and physical and oral examination.
Further tests such as radiography, cytology and biopsies may be indicated depending on the findings.
==Treatment==
Treatment and prognosis will depend on the pathology found.
For periodontal pathogens, '''clindamycin''' is a useful antibiotic which can be used as pulse therapy, for 5 days at the beginning of each month, to reduce halitosis.
Oral care products and tooth brushing also help control plaque and therefore the bacterial load.
The treatment of '''[[Periodontal Disease#Treatment|periodontal disease]]''' should be referred to.
{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Veterinary Dentistry Q&A 14]]
}}
==References==
Vertstraete, F. (1999) '''Veterinary Dentistry: self-assessment colour review''' ''Manson Publishing''
Lobprise, H. (2007) '''Blackwell's Five Minute Consult Clinical Companion: Small Animal Dentistry''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''
[[Category:To Do - Helen]]
[[Category:To Do - Review]]
==Introduction==
Halitosis is the term used to describe a '''foul odour emanating from the oral cavity'''.
The most common cause of halitosis is '''periodontal disease''', and the smell results from the bacterial populations associated with plaque, calculus, unhealthy tissues and decomposing food retained within the oral cavity.
As plaque ages and becomes ingrained, the bacterial flora changes to a more '''motile, gram-negative anaerobic population''' such as ''Porphyromonas, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium'' and ''Actinomyces'' species. As periodontitis progressed to pocket formation, food debris and bacterial breakdown products accumulate within the pocket and result in halitosis.
The bacteria generate volatile sulfur compounds such as '''hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and volatile fatty acids'''.
Many other causes for halitosis also exist:
'''Metabolic''': [[Diabetes Mellitus|diabetes]], [[Uraemia|uraemia]]
'''Respiratory''': sinusitis, rhinitis, neoplasia
'''Gastrointestinal''': megaoesophagus, foreign body, neoplasia
'''Dermatological''': [[Lip Fold Dermatitis|lip fold dermatitis]]
'''Dietary''': eating malodorous food, coprophagy
'''Oral disease''': periodontal disease, pharyngitis, neoplasia, foreign bodies
'''Trauma''': electric cord injuries, open fractures caustic agents
'''Autoimmune diseases'''
'''[[Eosinophilic Granuloma|Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex]]'''
'''Small breeds of dogs''', cats, and '''older animals''' in general are more predisposed to developing halitosis.
==Diagnosis==
'''Subjective''' methods of assessing halitosis may involve '''grading''' the condition into three levels: weak, moderate and strong.
An '''objective''' and accurate method of assessing odour release is by measuring sulfide concentration using an '''industrial sulfide monitor'''.
Other diagnostic procedures should include a full and thorough history and physical and oral examination.
Further tests such as radiography, cytology and biopsies may be indicated depending on the findings.
==Treatment==
Treatment and prognosis will depend on the pathology found.
For periodontal pathogens, '''clindamycin''' is a useful antibiotic which can be used as pulse therapy, for 5 days at the beginning of each month, to reduce halitosis.
Oral care products and tooth brushing also help control plaque and therefore the bacterial load.
The treatment of '''[[Periodontal Disease#Treatment|periodontal disease]]''' should be referred to.
{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Veterinary Dentistry Q&A 14]]
}}
==References==
Vertstraete, F. (1999) '''Veterinary Dentistry: self-assessment colour review''' ''Manson Publishing''
Lobprise, H. (2007) '''Blackwell's Five Minute Consult Clinical Companion: Small Animal Dentistry''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''
[[Category:To Do - Helen]]
[[Category:To Do - Review]]