Oral Malodor: A Review of the Literature (Report‪)‬

Introduction Oral malodor, also called halitosis or bad breath (fetor ex ore) is a universally experienced condition affecting humankind since ancient times. Historic references include the Jewish Talmud, as well as Greek and Roman writings. (1) Islam stresses the importance of fresh breath as part of good oral hygiene. (2) Ladanum (mastic), a resin derived from the 'Pistacia lentiscus' tree used in the Mediterranean region for breath freshening for thousands of years, has been mentioned in the book of Genesis. (3) Parsley, cloves, guava peels and egg shells have been considered as traditional remedies for bad breath in various countries across the world. (3)