Variation in oral volatile sulphur compound formation

Abstract

It has been suggested that the level of orally produced volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) can be of use when monitoring oral malodour or in determining patients at risk of periodontal disease in longitudinal studies. It is not known, however, to what extent the level of VSC in mouth air is a stable, individual characteristic over time. Aim: The hypothesis to be tested was that the level of VSC in mouth air is an individual trait that is stable over time. Methods: Two groups of dental students participated in the study (n = 30 and n = 11). The amount of available substrate for VSC formation was standardized by rinses with 6 mM aqueous solutions of cysteine (pH 7.2). Part 1 used a Halimeter® to measure 'morning breath' and response to cysteine rinses. Part 2 measured response to cysteine rinsing using a gas chromatograph. Repeated measurements provided information concerning the longitudinal intra-individual variations in level of oral VSC formation. Results: Both groups showed large intra-individual variations in oral VSC. The differences were enhanced by cysteine rinses. Conclusion: The hypothesis was not supported. Oral VSC levels cannot be taken as diagnostic criteria in a normal population because of marked intra-individual variations over time.