Volatile sulphide compound levels in mouth air with plaque-related periodontal disease are associated with a change in the proportion of periodontopathic bacteria in saliva

Abstract

This study investigated whether oral malodour with plaque-related periodontal disease was associated with the prevalence of periodontopathic bacteria in saliva and tongue debris. The subjects were 30 patients who visited the Breath Odour Clinic. An oral examination was performed at baseline and two months after periodontal treatment, and included measuring the volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) in mouth air. The proportions of five periodontopathic bacteria versus all bacteria in saliva and tongue debris were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The subjects were classified into four groups based on the existence of VSCs above the organoleptic threshold level (TVSC) and a periodontal pocket ⩾4 mm (PD4). At baseline, the group with TVSC/PD4 had higher proportions of periodontopathic bacteria in saliva compared to those with TVSC/no PD4 and no TVSC/no PD4, but there were no differences in the proportions in tongue debris among the four groups. At follow-up, the proportion of periodontopathic bacteria in the saliva of the group with TVSC/PD4 was significantly reduced, as compared to that at baseline, and the VSCs and periodontal health improved. The results suggested that the reduction in VSCs in mouth air of subjects with periodontal disease might be associated with the prevalence of periodontopathic bacteria in saliva.