(hăl-ĭ-tō'sĭs)
[L. halitus, breath, + Gr. osis, condition]
Offensive odor of the breath. Its origin may be in the mouth or nose, lungs, blood, or digestive tract. Many individuals have halitosis due to drying of the oral mucosa. On awakening, those who snore or sleep with their mouths open may have particularly noticeable bad breath. Bad breath may also be due to an ingested food, such as onions or garlic. Other causes are respiratory infections such as bronchiectasis or lung abscess, acute necrotizing gingivitis, herpetic gingivostomatitis, periodontal disease, dental caries, cigarette smoking, hepatic failure, or diabetic ketoacidosis.

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