Accounting for the effect bad breath has on one's life can be tough, especially since much of the embarrassment caused by halitosis can seem unquantifiable. However, researchers have created a scale that can put a number on oral odor's effect on a person's life.A pair of healthcare professionals at the University Hospital of Columbia University recently published a report detailing the creation of the Halitosis Associated Life-quality Test (HALT) questionnaire, which uses 20 questions to assess how badly bad breath affects daily functioning.
The study's authors said that the questionnaire closely adhered to separately made organoleptic - or nose-based - bad breath measurements. Similarly, the HALT scale accurately predicted improvements in quality of life after halitosis treatments, which included mouth-moistening medications and tonsil operations.
However, expensive surgery is not necessary in the quest to eliminate bad breath. Instead, individuals with oral odor may simply use a specialty breath freshener or oral care probiotic product at least once a day.





