The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

halitosis

IPA:

Dictionary definition of halitosis

Chronic bad breath or an ongoing condition characterized by foul-smelling breath that is persistently unpleasant.
"The man's halitosis was caused by smoking and improved after he quit."

Detailed meaning of halitosis

Halitosis often results from various factors, such as poor oral hygiene, bacterial buildup in the mouth, dental problems like gum disease or cavities, or even underlying health issues. It can be a source of social discomfort and embarrassment, impacting personal relationships and self-confidence. Proper dental care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, is essential in managing and preventing halitosis. Additionally, addressing any underlying health conditions contributing to the problem is crucial in effectively dealing with this condition.

Example sentences containing halitosis

1. Persistent halitosis can be a sign of underlying health issues.
2. His chronic halitosis made social interactions challenging.
3. Effective dental hygiene can help combat halitosis.
4. Bad breath or halitosis can result from poor oral care.
5. She sought treatment for her embarrassing halitosis.
6. Chronic halitosis can damage one's self-esteem.

History and etymology of halitosis

The noun 'halitosis' has its origins in Latin and Latinized Greek. It combines the Latin word 'halitus' (meaning 'breath') and the Greek suffix '-osis,' which indicates a medical condition or disorder. Therefore, 'halitosis' literally translates to 'a condition of the breath.' It is used to describe chronic bad breath or an ongoing condition characterized by foul-smelling breath that is persistently unpleasant. The term 'halitosis' reflects the recognition of bad breath as a distinct and often socially troublesome issue, emphasizing the importance of addressing it as a medical condition with its own terminology and treatment options.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun halitosis:

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Further usage examples of halitosis

1. The dentist recommended treatments for halitosis.
2. His coworkers discreetly discussed his halitosis.
3. Halitosis can be caused by bacteria in the mouth.
4. Minty gum offered temporary relief from halitosis.
5. Halitosis can impact personal and professional life.
6. Brushing and flossing can help prevent halitosis.
7. The dentist diagnosed her chronic halitosis.
8. He struggled to find a remedy for his halitosis.
9. Chronic halitosis often stems from dental issues.
10. She tried various remedies to combat halitosis.
11. Halitosis can be a side effect of certain medications.
12. The embarrassing halitosis affected her confidence.
13. Regular dental check-ups can prevent halitosis.
14. He finally found a solution to his chronic halitosis.
15. The dentist diagnosed the patient with halitosis and recommended a thorough cleaning.
16. The woman was self-conscious about her halitosis and avoided socializing.
17. The man's halitosis was so strong that it could be smelled from a distance.
18. The girl chewed gum constantly to hide her halitosis from her classmates.
19. The man's halitosis was caused by a sinus infection that needed to be treated.
20. The woman's halitosis improved significantly after she started flossing regularly.
21. The boy's halitosis was so severe that it affected his ability to make friends.
22. The man's halitosis was a side effect of his medication and required a change in prescription.
23. The woman tried numerous remedies to treat her halitosis, including mouthwash and breath mints.
24. The woman's halitosis was a symptom of an underlying medical condition that required treatment.
25. The dentist recommended that the man with halitosis see a periodontist to treat his gum disease.