TJHMS, Volume 9 Issue 1(Jan. - Mar.) 2026
Review Articles
Halitosis: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Homoeopathic Perspectives – A Narrative Review
Dr. Vaibhav Rathod, Dr. Neha V. Jadhavrao
Background: Halitosis, an offensive odor in exhaled breath, is a common complaint affecting 15–30% of people. While the majority of cases (>85%) stem from intraoral sources (tongue coating, periodontal disease), some arise from systemic conditions (e.g. gastrointestinal disorders). Classification distinguishes genuine halitosis (clinically measurable), pseudo-halitosis, and halitophobia. This review consolidates current evidence on halitosis causes, diagnostic methods, and management, with emphasis on homoeopathic approaches and materia medica indications. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane (1990–2025) using terms related to “halitosis,” “oral malodor,” and “homeopathy.” Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed studies on halitosis etiology, diagnosis, or treatment. Data were extracted on microbial mechanisms, extraoral associations (gastrointestinal, metabolic), psychosomatic factors, and both conventional and homoeopathic treatments.
Results: Oral malodor is primarily caused by anaerobic bacteria on the tongue and in periodontal pockets producing volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). The chief odorants are hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan. Diagnostic methods include organoleptic scoring (gold standard) and instrumental measurement of VSCs (gas chromatography, sulfide monitors). Approximately 85–90% of halitosis originates in the mouth, but systemic factors like Helicobacter pylori infection, reflux, and metabolic diseases may contribute. Standard management involves improving oral hygiene (tongue cleaning, scaling), antimicrobial mouthwashes (chlorhexidine, zinc) and addressing medical causes. Homoeopathic practitioners use constitutional remedies based on symptom similarity. For example, Kreosotum is indicated when breath is “extremely foul” from dental decay; Nux vomica for sour morning breath with coated tongue; Calcarea carbonica for fetid breath in plump children; Pulsatilla for sweetish odor after rich foods; and Carbo vegetabilis for putrid breath with bloating. Recent homoeopathic case reports describe improvement with Kreosotum, Calcarea, Silicea, and others. However, robust clinical trials of homoeopathic treatments are lacking. Conclusion: Halitosis is multifactorial, requiring thorough evaluation. Dentists should first address oral sources with hygiene measures and targeted therapy. Gastrointestinal or psychological causes merit referral when warranted. Homoeopathic intervention is guided by materia medica symptom profiles as outlined above, but remains evidence-limited. Future research should apply rigorous trial methods to evaluate both conventional and homoeopathic interventions.
