O23 Predicting bad breath in the non‐complaining population

Abstract

Relatively few studies have addressed the prevalence and attributes of oral malodor among subjects who do not complain of bad breath. In the present investigation, 88 Israeli adults (mean age 37 ± 9 years) undergoing routine medical checkups, were asked to fill out a questionnaire including 38 questions on general and oral health, dietary habits, and their opinions regarding their own oral malodor levels. Oral malodor assessments included whole mouth odor judge scores on a 0–5 malodor intensity scale, as well as volatile sulfide levels (Halimeter®, Interscan Corp.), and salivary β‐galactosidase (OK to Kiss, InnoScent Ltd.). Based on an odor judge cutoff score of 2, the prevalence of bad breath was found to be 29.8 ± 9.6%. Odor judge scores were significantly correlated with both Halimeter® (r = 0.55, P < 0.01; Pearson) and OK to Kiss (r = 0.59, P < 0.01; Spearman). Dichotomous analysis of odor judge scores, as compared with detection of salivary β‐galactosidase (OK to Kiss) yielded sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 89, 75 and 79%, respectively. Among the questionnaire results, 10 responses were significantly associated with odor judge scores (P < 0.05, unpaired t‐test). When the 10 responses were factored into linear multiple regression analysis to account for odor judge scores, a multiple R of 0.846 was obtained. The results suggest that (i) the prevalence of bad breath in the general population is at least 20%; (ii) the OK to Kiss is a valid test for measuring the presence of oral malodor; and (iii) a simple questionnaire can be used to determine the degree of oral malodor among subjects without a complaint of bad breath.