Prevalence of Halitosis and its Correlation with Various Intraoral Etiological Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Halitosis is one of the most frequent complaints while a patient visits to a dentist. It has negative impact on the psychology of the individuals because of the social stigma related to it. Halitosis can produce by the degrading action of gram-negative anaerobic bacteria on sulfur containing substance such as debris and plaque. In majority of cases the source of halitosis is oral cavity. Methods: A total of 300 patients were selected from the OPD of department of Periodontics. Out of all, 166 were male and 134 were female. Organoleptic scoring system was used to detect the grade of halitosis. Complete dental checkup of the patients were performed to find out the possible cause of malodor. Results: Prevalence of halitosis in the given population was 63% (n=188). Out of total subjects with halitosis, 62 subjects (32%) presented with grade-I, 46 subjects (24%) with grade-II, 38 subjects (20%) with grade-III, 24 subjects (13%) with grade-IV and 18 subjects (11%) with grade-V. Strongest correlation was found between tongue coating and prevalence of halitosis. Other causes reported was, dental caries, periodontal disease, smoking, tobacco chewing, and pericoronitis. Conclusion: Prevalence of halitosis in the given population was 63%. Men had significantly greater prevalence of halitosis compared to women. The major reported etiological factor for halitosis was tongue coating.