h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Re

>>The by-products of protein decay from food material in the mouth or mucus in the upper respiratory tract. These can be very unpleasant and are referred to as halitosis.<<

Almost all cases of halitosis result from poor oral hygiene - ie lack of effective toothbrushing, flossing, tongue cleansing.
Volatile sulphur compounds are released by oral bacteria which live in the gingival crevices and on the tongue.

Halitosis can also be caused by:
*Fasting - one reason why few of us are less than 'daily-fresh' first thing in the morning
*Infected adenoids or tonsils
*Smoking
*Dehydration - due to not drinking enough fluids
*Xerostomia (dry mouth) - frequently due to side effects of many commonly prescribed medications
*Tooth decay
*Post nasal drip - catarrh draining from nasal passages down the back of the throat and onto the back of the tongue
*Some respiratory problems
*A good 'night on the batter' involving copious amounts of alcohol plus kebab or curry

Hope this is useful. I enjoyed your article - it certainly seems to cover everything and I look forward to seeing it in the EG.

Many thanks. I'll add it in and credit you as a researcher.

You're most welcome

I could also do you a bit on the aetiology of gingivitis - but I suspect it wouldn't be totally relevant to the subject matter of 'Effluvia' - and what you say here is pretty good....

>>Gingivitis, the inflammation of the gums (gingiva), often resulting from poor oral hygiene may cause the gums to become red, swollen and spongy, and bleed easily. Bleeding may be noticed on rinsing the mouth following tooth brushing or flossing.<<

The only wee quibble I'd have is with the use of the word 'often'. Perhaps using 'usually' instead, since bacterial plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis.

And banging my 'oral health message' drum, maybe adding a sentence to the end of your paragraph.....
This bleeding will resolve within a few weeks of beginning an effective daily toothbrushing and flossing regime: ask your hygienist to show you how!
I won't be upset if you leave that out as it's, again, not totally relevant to the subject matter of the entry - just a cheeky hijack attempt