The severity of halitosis can be assessed in clinic with a so called halitometer, a portable sulphide monitor. Sulphide concentrations have indeed proved reliable as an objective measure of the degree of bad breath.⁹ Clinicians who are interested in diagnosing and managing oral malodour cannot shun smelling it themselves, however. When doing so, they should also compare the odour exiting the mouth with the one coming out of the nose.¹

The cheapest and most effective way of managing simple halitosis originating orally is by simple oral hygiene. Dentists can obviously help with occasional thorough cleanings, however, this does not replace the patient's home work--regular tooth brushing, use of dental floss, deep tongue brushing or scraping, and proper maintenance of any dentition.^{1 10} Various mouth washes for rinsing and gargling may also be used, best before going to sleep.¹ They contain products such as chlorhexidine gluconate, an antiseptic agent; hydrogen peroxide, which helps to neutralize thiols; and essential oils based on thyme, eucalyptus and other plants.^{3 4}

Lifestyle changes may also be useful in reducing oral malodour. Refraining from smoking and avoiding odiferous foods, alcohol, and drugs is usually effective. Regular intake of water and chewing sugar-free gum contribute to increasing saliva production.³

In the presence of infective or non-oral causes of bad breath, management of the underlying problem obviously has priority. Depending on the exact cause, various treatments may be sought, including antibiotic therapy, surgery, and even laser treatment.^{8 11}

Raghav Chawla, Clegg scholar, BMJ

Email: raghav.chawla@unil.ch

studentBMJ 2005;13:1-44 January ISSN 0966-6494

1. Rosenberg M. Clinical assessment of bad breath: current concepts. J Am Dent Assoc 1996;127:475.
2. Bollen CM, Rompen EH, Demanez JP. Halitosis: a multidisciplinary problem. Rev Med Liege 1999;54:32. (In French.)
3. Yale New Haven Health. Health library: halitosis. http://yalenewhavenhealth.org (accessed 12 Dec 2004).
4. Scully C, Porter S, Greenman J. What to do about halitosis. BMJ 1994;308:217.
5. Tonzetich J. Production and origin of oral malodour: a review of mechanisms and methods of analysis. J Periodontol 1977;48:13.
6. Coventry J, Griffiths G, Scully C, Tonetti M. Periodontal disease. In: Scully S, ed. ABC of oral health. London: BMJ Books, 2001:8.
7. Ratcliff PA, Johnson PW. The relationship between oral malodour, gingivitis, and periodontitis: a review. J Periodontol 1999;7:485.
8. Richardson H, Prichard AJN. Managing halitosis: thorough history and examination are important. BMJ 1994;308:652.
9. Rosenberg M, Kulkarni GV, Bosy A, McCulloch CA. Reproducibility and sensitivity of oral malodour measurements with a portable sulphide monitor. J Dent Res 1991;70:1436.
10. Parmar SG, Naik PC. Managing halitosis: remember the tongue. BMJ 1994;308:652.
11. Finkelstein Y, Talmi YP, Ophir D, Berger G. Laser cryptolysis for the treatment of halitosis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2004;131:372.

Please note that the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be Peace, has not been reported to do such a thing. It is established that he said that no mosque congregant should eat onion or garlic before coming to the mosque; and that if one did, he should avoid the mosque.

The statement in the above article regarding:

"Did The Prophet Muhammad Throw Someone Out of The Mosque Because Of Bad Breath?"

Question:

The following statement recently appeared in the linked publication. Please could you clarify if there is any truth in this?

"The prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam, is said to have thrown a congregant out of the mosque for having a smell of garlic in his breath." (http://www.studentbmj.com/issues/0105/education/13.html)

Answer:

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

You might inform the author that the Prophet(may peace and blessings be upon him) is nowhere reported to have done such a thing, however, it is established he said that no mosque congregant should eat onion or garlic before coming to the mosque; and that if one did, he should avoid the mosque.

This is very well written article. Although bad breath seems to be very small problem but it is very common in south asia where people give very little attention to their hygiene. With only little knowledge and attention it can be subsided. But many people, especially in this part of world, are unaware of this knowledge too..

I thank raghav chawla for writing such a nice and simple article on bad breath.

EDITOR - Raghav Chawla’s article on ‘Bad Breath’ was indeed a very interesting read, though I must correct his misrepresentation of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as the ‘founder of Islam’. Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was in no way the founder of Islam but a Messenger of God chosen to spread the beliefs and teachings of Islam to humanity. When Muhammad (P.B.U.H) asked the gentleman in question whose breath smelt of garlic, to leave the congregational prayer it was because the smell was offensive to others praying, and Muslims are encouraged to avoid causing offence to others - whether that’s in taking care of one’s appearance or avoiding halitosis!

The article was a very intresting one, and one anyone would greatly enjoy reading. However i wish to point out some information which was not fully correct. My purpose in writing this response is not to criticise the writer, it is rather to say i think the writer has misintrepreted something.

The writer said:

"The prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam, is said to have thrown a congregant out of the mosque for having a smell of garlic in his breath."

the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) is nowhere reported to have done such a thing, however, it is established he said that no mosque congregant should eat onion or garlic before coming to the mosque; and that if one did, he should avoid the mosque.

I hope this helps in removing any misunderstanding.

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