Subjective patients’ opinion and evaluation of halitosis using halimeter and organoleptic scores

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of interest in fetor ex ore among respondents, patients of the Department of Conservative Dentistry in Warsaw. A questionnaire was completed by 295 patients, 202 females and 93 males aged 18-74 years (average 38.73 years). Each person was also examined for organoleptic score and volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) by Halimeter. Halitosis was diagnosed if the average level of VSC was > or =125 ppb and the organoleptic measurement using a 0-5 point scale was > or =2. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test. Incidence of halitosis was greatest in age ranges 25-34 years (29.68%) and 45-54 years (24.52%). Sixty-eight (43.87%) persons with diagnosed halitosis frequently reported having a problem with bad breath and only 5.81% persons with halitosis did not notice this problem (P < 0.001). Among 54 healthy persons three (5.56%) reported having a problem with halitosis (P < 0.001). A statistically significant correlation was found between clinical organoleptic diagnosis of halitosis and VSC level by halimeter. Subjective patients' opinion correlated well with objective evaluation of halitosis.