Scale helps professionals measure effect of halitosis on quality of life

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.