This article considers the causes of halitosis and methods of the diagnosis. Halitosis, syndrome of bad breath caused by pathological condition of the oral cavity or internal organs and systems, has a significant impact on the patient's social life. Analysis of the composition of exhaled air may become a promising way to diagnose halitosis, as the direct relationship between the compositions of molecules of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia etc. and the causes of halitosis were found. The article's authors review and analysis the methods of measurement of qualitative and quantitative composition of exhaled air. The most common methods include the use of electrochemical, optical sensors, infrared spectrometers and mass spectrometers. The latter method is positioned as the most optimal method of analysis of exhaled air due to its high accuracy, selectivity and sensitivity. The authors' portable mass spectrometer being developed is represented. At this stage it can detect traces of oxygen and carbon dioxide, which inject into the device through the capillary system or membrane one, in gas samples in real-time mode.
Keywords: diagnosis of halitosis, molecular biomarkers, analysis of exhaled air, portable mass spectrometer