[The role of periodontal diseases in bad breath].

The majority of bad breath originates within the oral cavity. However, it is also possible that it is caused by other extra-oral sources. Ear-nose-and-throat causes and systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, uremia, liver failure, pulmonary carcinoma, bronchiectasis, are the most frequent problems. In 65-85% of the cases of bad breath, we find the cause in the parodontium and/or tongue. Components from tongue coating and periodontal pockets circulate through the saliva in the whole oral cavity and also reach the tonsils.