Prevalence of oral malodor and related factors among adults in Akita Prefecture

Abstract

The national survey on health and welfare conducted in 1999 reported approximately 15% of people, who had some dental problem, suffered from oral malodor. Oral malodor was ranked the fourth highest dental complaints in Japanese. However, there is a scarcity of epidemiological studies assessing the prevalence of oral malodor in the general population. Thus the aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of oral malodor and its relationship with oral health indicators among general adults aged 40 to 75 years in Akita Prefecture, Japan. The prevalence of oral malodor, diagnosed using the organoleptic method, revealed that approximately 37% of subjects had oral malodor. Logistic regression analysis suggested that oral hygiene, periodontal disease and oral dryness were influential factors which could cause oral malodor. Hence oral malodor related health education, preventive interventions such as tooth and tongue brushing instruction, and treatment regimens targeting periodontal disease should be incorporated into community oral health programs. Such an approach would bring about not only a reduction in the complaint of oral malodor condition, but also the promotion of overall oral health.