Halitoses

/ˌhæl.ɪˈtoʊ.siz/ noun

Definition

Plural of halitosis; multiple instances or types of bad breath caused by mouth bacteria or digestive issues.

Etymology

From Latin 'halitus' (breath) plus the Greek suffix '-osis' (condition), literally meaning 'breath condition.' The term was popularized in the early 1900s, particularly through marketing campaigns.

Kelly Says

The word 'halitosis' was actually invented by advertisers in 1921 to sell mouthwash—before that, people just said 'bad breath,' so this disease name was created partly to sell products!

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