Curing halitosis: the sweet smell of success.

Halitosis is socially incapacitating, physically damaging, and difficult to discuss. As the dentist is responsible for the oral cavity, it behooves the dental health provider to diagnose and treat halitosis if we are to offer total oral health care to our patients. While oral malodor has been recognized in the literature throughout our history, interest has recently increased in treating the problem and research is now providing the answers to this condition. This article summarizes some of the current research in managing halitosis.