What term is commonly used to describe bad breath?

Halitosis is the medical term that specifically refers to bad breath. It encompasses any unpleasant odor that originates from the mouth, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as poor oral hygiene, certain foods, dry mouth, or underlying health conditions. Proper oral care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, can help prevent halitosis.

The other terms relate to different oral health conditions. Stomatitis refers to inflammation of the mucous membrane in the mouth, which can manifest with discomfort and ulceration but is not synonymous with bad breath. Odontitis is typically not a commonly used term in dental health—conditions affecting the teeth are usually referred to with other specific terms. Gingivitis describes inflammation of the gums, which could contribute to bad breath but does not define it. Therefore, halitosis is the correct term directly linked to the issue of bad breath.