What condition does halitosis refer to?

Halitosis specifically refers to bad breath, which is characterized by an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth. It can result from various factors, including poor oral hygiene, food choices, dry mouth, and underlying health issues. The condition is often treated by addressing the underlying causes, such as improving oral hygiene practices, staying hydrated, and possibly seeking dental care if it is due to a more serious condition.

While dry mouth can contribute to halitosis, as saliva plays a crucial role in washing away food particles and bacteria, halitosis itself is not merely the presence of dryness in the mouth. Tooth sensitivity involves discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks, which is a separate dental issue. Gum disease refers to inflammatory conditions affecting the gums, which can also result in bad breath as a symptom, but halitosis is not synonymous with it. Thus, the primary definition of halitosis is indeed bad breath.