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Suggest Tests To Diagnose Chronic Halitosis
Question: Is esophagogastroduodenoscopy necessary to show significant sources for chronic halitosis?
Brief Answer:
not normally done
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is not normally required.
85% of cases of halitosis are related to the mouth.
In those cases where it is not related to the mouth, nasal causes are more common due to nasal congestion or excess nasal secretions.
Bad breath coming from the rest of the gastrointestinal tract is very rare. The esophagus is normally collapsed and closed and even though the occasional belch would carry some odour, in the vast majority halitosis is not related to the esophagus, stomach or small intestine .
In persons with good oral hygiene and good dentition, the halitosis is commonly related to the back of the tongue.
A person whose tongue is deeply grooved may build up more white coating in this area compared to persons with a smooth tongue.
Even a build up of 0.1 mm to 0.2 can be significant.
Dentures can also be a source of odour.
Treatment involves good oral hygiene, flossing, brushing and gentle scraping of the tongue (brushed backwards to forwards).
Diet changes may also be helpful. The bacteria involved in producing the odour, digest protein so a reduction in protein intake can sometimes help
Since saliva helps to reduce odour, ensuring use of enough water (to make enough saliva), may also help.
IF the odour is thought to come from the nose then treatment of congestion or discharge may be needed.
I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions
not normally done
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is not normally required.
85% of cases of halitosis are related to the mouth.
In those cases where it is not related to the mouth, nasal causes are more common due to nasal congestion or excess nasal secretions.
Bad breath coming from the rest of the gastrointestinal tract is very rare. The esophagus is normally collapsed and closed and even though the occasional belch would carry some odour, in the vast majority halitosis is not related to the esophagus, stomach or small intestine .
In persons with good oral hygiene and good dentition, the halitosis is commonly related to the back of the tongue.
A person whose tongue is deeply grooved may build up more white coating in this area compared to persons with a smooth tongue.
Even a build up of 0.1 mm to 0.2 can be significant.
Dentures can also be a source of odour.
Treatment involves good oral hygiene, flossing, brushing and gentle scraping of the tongue (brushed backwards to forwards).
Diet changes may also be helpful. The bacteria involved in producing the odour, digest protein so a reduction in protein intake can sometimes help
Since saliva helps to reduce odour, ensuring use of enough water (to make enough saliva), may also help.
IF the odour is thought to come from the nose then treatment of congestion or discharge may be needed.
I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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