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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
07:33
Therapeutic Effectiveness of a Dietary Supplement for Management of Halitosis in Dogs
Published on: July 6, 2015
The relationship between oral malodor and volatile sulfur compound-producing bacteria
Yosef P Krespi1, Mark G Shrime, Ashutosh Kacker
1Department of Otolaryngology, St Luke's / Roosevelt Hospital, New York, New York, USA.
Summary
Bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by volatile sulfur compound (VSC)-producing bacteria on the tongue. Effective management involves tongue cleansing and antimicrobial treatments to reduce oral malodor.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Dentistry
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Halitosis is a significant social issue, frequently unresponsive to conventional dental care.
- The oral cavity harbors numerous bacteria producing malodorous compounds from protein breakdown.
- Volatile sulfur compound (VSC)-producing bacteria on the tongue are increasingly linked to halitosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for halitosis originating from the tongue.
- To identify the bacterial culprits and their locations in the oral cavity.
- To present effective management approaches for tongue-derived halitosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic methods including organoleptic and objective VSC detection.
- Bacteriologic analysis of oral biofilms and specimens from the tongue, gingival pockets, and tonsillar crypts.
- Identification of common VSC-producing bacterial species like Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Actinobacillus, and Fusobacterium.
Main Results:
- Most halitosis cases evaluated in ENT settings are localized to the tongue.
- Bacterial overgrowth, particularly proteolytic, anaerobic, gram-negative bacteria on the lingual dorsum, is a primary cause.
- Specific bacterial species commonly implicated include Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Actinobacillus, and Fusobacterium.
Conclusions:
- Halitosis is predominantly an oral condition, rarely originating beyond the tonsils.
- Successful management of tongue-derived halitosis is achievable.
- Treatment combines mechanical tongue cleaning with antimicrobial chemical solutions.
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