HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

The term "halitosis" is commonly understood to mean bad breath. It comes from the Latin word "halitus," which means breath, combined with the suffix "-osis," indicating a condition. Halitosis can result from various factors, including bacterial buildup in the mouth, food particles, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions. The connection is straightforward, as those suffering from halitosis typically experience unpleasant odors emanating from their mouth, which is commonly referred to as bad breath in everyday language.

Tooth decay refers specifically to the deterioration of tooth structure due to acids produced by bacteria, which is a different dental issue. Swollen gums relate to inflammation often stemming from periodontal disease and are not synonymous with halitosis. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, involves involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, primarily leading to dental wear rather than breath odor. Understanding these distinctions reinforces why bad breath is the correct identification of halitosis.