Breath, OFFENSIVE, may depend upon some cause limited to the mouth or nose, or it may arise from diseased conditions of the respiratory or digestive apparatus. If, from want of proper attention, the teeth have collected a quantity of putrescent particles around them, they must be well scrubbed with a brush and tepid water, with some powdered carbonate of magnesia mixed with it. A wash composed of a teaspoonful of tincture of myrrh or of Condy's fluid in a pint of water is also very useful. Occasionally, the secretion from the Tonsils (q.v.) is very offensive; and then a solution of nitrate of silver, 4 grains to 1 ounce of water, should be applied to them every morning, with a camel-hair brush, and small alternative doses of medicine administered. Solutions of soda in water are also very useful. Should the fetid smell arise from a portion of dead bone, the latter must be removed whenever it becomes loose. Inhalations of steam from hot water into which some creosote has been dropped, is much recommended for cases in which the cause resides in the nose and respiratory passages. When, however, it is caused by digestive derangements, the treatment should consist in purging to empty the intestinal canal, followed by soda to correct acidity, and tonics, of which the bitter infusions and tinctures, and the dilute mineral acids, are among the best.
All medical treatment is unavailing to correct the foul odour which rises from the stomach of the habitual drunkard, or from the victim of gangrene or abscess in the lungs. See also OZENA.