Oral malodour (halitosis) is common in people of all ages

Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause

The oral source of halitosis reflects local bacterial production of odiferous sulphides and amines

A range of systemic disorders may rarely cause the problem

Improving oral hygiene, and perhaps tongue cleaning, is usually effective

Patients with symptoms of halitosis in the absence of objective oral malodour may warrant psychological investigation or support