Introduction:

Oral halitosis or malodor is offensive to the human sense of smell. It is often the result of poor hygiene or lifestyle and affects thousands of people worldwide.

Objective:

Conduct a literature review about the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of halitosis with the purpose of contributing a broader scientific basis of updated information for professionals in the field.

Methods:

The study was characterized by a search for papers published in the electronic databases PubMed, Lilacs, Google Scholar and Scielo between 2014 and 2019 in English, Portuguese or Spanish. A total 52 papers were consulted, of which 28 were selected after careful filtering.

Data analysis and integration:

Halitosis may be due to a variety of oral cavity etiologies. Several complementary tests are available which help diagnose halitosis, e.g. sialometric tests, organoleptic tests and analysis of the presence of saburra for the diagnosis. Several protocols have been implemented for the treatment of halitosis. These range from preventive to healing procedures.

Conclusions:

The etiology of halitosis may be due to physiological or pathological factors. Although 90% of the cases originate in the oral cavity and may be associated with dental biofilm, caries, tongue saburra, ill-fitted prostheses or tissue scarring, diagnosis should be based on careful clinical examination. Using questionnaires to gather information such as frequency, duration, number of times it appears on the same day, habits and medications will help elucidate the case. Successful treatment depends on the diagnosis and implementation of a cause-and-effect therapy and a rational multidisciplinary approach which is essential to obtain positive outcomes and improve oral health as well as its individual and social effects.

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