Halitosis due to Hypothyroidism of Unknown Cause: Two Case Reports

Abstract

Halitosis is a frequent complaint which is estimated to be around 50%-60% of the general population and that carries serious personal and social repercussions. It is estimated that 10%-13% of halitosis causes are extraoral etiology. It originates from the tongue dorsum in patients with a healthy periodontium and good oral hygiene. Most of the causes of halitosis are intraoral origin although many other extraoral systemic etiologies are known. Overt hypothyroidism as a cause of halitosis has never been described in medical literature before. We strongly suggest that hypothyroidism induced hyposalivation gives rise to bacterial overgrowth and eventually halitosis. Two cases with moderate halitosis and overt hypothyroidism who were treated only with thyroxine until achieving euthyroidism are presented in this article. They were both completely recovered from halitosis after 45-50 days and had no complaints after 8 months.