Measurement Of Volatile Sulfur Compounds Research Articles

The effect of Brazilian propolis type-3 against oral microbiota and volatile sulfur compounds in subjects with morning breath malodor.

To evaluate propolis type-3 mouthrinse effects on the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) and on tongue dorsum microbial profile. A three-step double-blind, crossover, randomized study with 10 individuals divided into three groups: I-placebo (P); II-ethanolic extract of propolis type-3 3% (EEP); and III-chlorhexidine 0.12% (CHX) and instructed to rinse twice daily for 5days. Each experimental period was followed by a 21-day washout interval. Morning mouth breath was assessed by VSC concentrations and microbiological samples were obtained from tongue dorsum at baseline and the end of period of rinses and analyzed using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization technique for 39 bacterial species. CHX and EEP presented the lowest VSC concentration when compared with placebo (p < 0.05). Even in the absence of mechanical plaque control, CHX and EEP treatments reduced VSC levels and there were no statistical differences for VSC measurement between CHX and EEP. There was a significant reduction in mean counts of 10 species including some VSC producers (Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia) by EEP. Total counts of organisms, gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial species showed a decrease for EEP and CHX (p < 0.05). In addition, no statistical difference was observed between EEP and CHX (p > 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between decrease of bacterial counts and decrease of VCSs concentration for the EEP and CHX. The use of a 3% propolis type-3 mouthrinse is an effective way to prevent morning bad breath. Thus, propolis may be a promising agent for the treatment of halitosis. Propolis type-3 may be used as adjuvant treatment for morning breath malodor.

Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics for Understanding the Compositional Changes Induced by Oxidative or Anoxic Storage of Red Wines.

The aim of this work was to study the physicochemical changes of eight red wines stored under conditions differing in O2 exposure and temperature and time under anoxia. The methods used to analyze the wines included the measurement of volatile sulfur compounds, color, tannin (T) polymerization, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry untargeted metabolomic fingerprint. After 3 months, the color of the oxidized samples evolved 4-5 times more intensively than in wines stored under anoxia. The major metabolomic differences between oxidative and anoxic conditions were linked to reactions of acetaldehyde (favored in oxidative) and SO2 (favored in anoxia). In the presence of oxygen, the C-4 carbocation of flavanols delivered ethyl-linked tannin-anthocyanin (T-A) and tannin-tannin (T-T) adducts, pyranoanthocyanins, and sulfonated indoles, while under reduction, the C-4 carbocation delivered direct linked T-A adducts, rearranged T-T adducts, and sulfonated tannins. Some of these last reactions could be related to the accumulation of reduced species, eventually ending with reductive off-odors.

Photodynamic Therapy for Halitosis: Could be Possible?

Halitosis is a very frequent condition characterized by an unpleasant odor related to expired air, and 80-90% of the cases originate in the oral cavity. It is a social problem that affects one-third of the population, causing a negative impact on the quality of life. The measurement of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) at the oral level is very useful for intercepting the problem. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is based on the combination of a non-toxic dye and an appropriate wavelength of visible light, which in the presence of oxygen is activated and can promote a phototoxic response. We would like to document a case of oral halitosis diagnosed and treated with photodynamic therapy using a 660 nm diode laser and phenothiazine chloride as a photosensitizer.

Halitosis in geriatrics: factors related to this oral problem. An observational prospective clinical study.

Objective: To identify the presence and level of halitosis in edentulous individuals with or without prostheses, before and after rehabilitation with complete dentures (CD). Methods: Patients were verbally invited to participate and signed an Informed Consent. Halitosis was analyzed by the volatile sulfur compounds measurement method in the presence and absence of the old prostheses (M1) and 15 to 30 days after the patients received their new prostheses (M2). At M1, the patients answered a questionnaire with clinical data, and the saliva type and presence/absence of tongue coating were assessed. T-test and Spearman correlation test were used, and a p-value &lt; 0,05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Twenty-seven patients (19 women) with an average age of 67 years participated in the study. The mean time of prosthesis usage was 20.2 years. Tong coating was present in 21 patients (77,8%). A good odor level of halitosis was self-claimed in 13 (41,8%) individuals. The odor level of halitosis was significantly lower in M2 compared to M1, either with or without CD and after hygiene (p &lt; 0,001). There was a positive and statistically significant correlation between the level of halitosis and alcoholism, smoking, prostheses hygiene method, and the presence of disease (diabetes). Conclusion: The old complete replacement of the prostheses with new ones was able to improve the odor level in a period of 15 to 30 days after the treatment. The presence of halitosis was correlated with alcoholism, smoking, denture hygiene methods, and the presence of diabetes.

Effects of Weissella cibaria CMU on Halitosis and Calculus, Plaque, and Gingivitis Indices in Beagles.

Weissella (W.) cibaria strain Chonnam Medical University (CMU) has shown oral colonizing ability and inhibitory effects on the formation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in vitro studies. The present study was conducted to analyze the effects of the W. cibaria CMU on canine oral health. Halitosis, calculus, plaque, gingivitis, and intraoral microbiota were assessed in 3 groups: control (maltodextrin), W. cibaria CMU low concentration (CMU-L, 2 × 107 colony forming unit [CFU]), and high-concentration (CMU-H, 2 × 109 CFU). Halitosis was analyzed using both organoleptic evaluation and measurement of VSCs. Intraoral microbiota were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. From week 4, the total VSC level in the CMU-H group (4.0 ± 1.30 ng/10 mL) was significantly lower than in the control group (6.3 ± 2.28 ng/10 mL). Significant reduction in methyl mercaptan in the CMU-treated groups was also observed. In addition, the plaque index in the CMU-treated groups was significantly decreased. The CMU-treated groups showed significant decreases in Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Tannerella forsythia and demonstrated the colonizing ability of W. cibaria CMU in the oral cavity. We demonstrated that W. cibaria CMU suppresses halitosis, colonizes the oral cavity, and inhibits the proliferation of malodor-causing oral bacteria in beagles. According to these results, we expect that W. cibaria CMU could be a new oral hygiene solution by reducing VSC production and inhibiting the growth of oral harmful bacteria in companion animals.

Prevalence and relevant factors of halitosis in Chinese subjects: a clinical research

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of halitosis among Chinese subjects and to analyze the associated factors that influence halitosis.MethodsThis study included subjects complaining of halitosis who came to the clinic between 2014 and 2016. Questionnaires were used to obtain general information from patients. An organoleptic test was conducted, and volatile sulfur compounds measurement was obtained to assess halitosis. In conjunction with these tests, the oral health status of each patient was recorded.ResultsIn total, there were 205 samples entered into data analysis, and the patients’ age ranged from 18 to 71 years (mean ± SD: 32.44 ± 10.31). Of these patients, 65.9% had an organoleptic score ≥ 2, and 41% of patients had a volatile sulfur compound level ≥ 110 ppb. The findings indicated that the prevalence of halitosis was higher in males than in females (55.6% vs. 44.4%, respectively, P = 0.018). Several factors including the duration of bad breath, rhinitis, tongue coating and periodontal conditions were found to be associated with the organoleptic score. Tongue coating was also associated with the volatile sulfur compound level.ConclusionsAmong these subjects, 65.9% had halitosis. Oral health status was strongly associated with halitosis, and tongue coating was the most important factor.

The detection of Candida species in patients with halitosis.

To examine the effects of Candida on halitosis, the carrier state of Candida was examined in patients who made a visit with a chief complaint of halitosis. Methods. Subjects were 123 patients (42 males and 81 females) who visited our clinic, with a chief complaint of halitosis. Their average age was 45.8 years. To examine halitosis, an organoleptic test was conducted, and volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) were measured by gas chromatography. Tongue-coating samples collected at the initial visit were cultured in CHROMagar Candida medium. The results of a Candida culture test, an organoleptic test, and VSC measurements were examined. Results. The male-to-female ratio of the patients was about 1 : 2. Patients with severe halitosis accounted for less than 20%. In the Candida culture test, the positive rate was about 25.2%, and C. albicans was the most frequently detected. Two kinds of Candida species were detected in 75% (6/8) of the strongly Candida-positive group. The VSC measurements were correlated with the Candida culture test results. Methyl mercaptan concentration was higher in the strongly C. albicans-positive group or the subjects having two kinds of Candida species. Conclusion. We suggest that imbalance of oral microbial community exists in the strongly Candida-positive group.

Prediction of periodontopathic bacteria in dental plaque of periodontal healthy subjects by measurement of volatile sulfur compounds in mouth air

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine whether measurements of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) are useful to predict colonization of periodontopathic bacteria. For this purpose, we assessed the relationships among distributions of 4 species of periodontopathic bacteria in tongue coating and dental plaque, oral conditions including VSC concentration in mouth air, and smoking habit of periodontal healthy young subjects. MethodsThe subjects were 108 young adults (mean age, 23.5±2.56 years) without clinical periodontal pockets. Information regarding smoking habit was obtained by interview. After VSC concentration in mouth, air was measured with a portable sulfide monitor (Halimeter®), non-stimulated saliva flow and dental caries status were assessed, and tongue coating and dental plaque samples were collected from the subjects. The tongue coating samples were weighed to determine the amount. The colonization of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Prevotella intermedia, and Treponema denticola in both tongue coating and plaque samples was investigated using species-specific polymerase chain reaction assays. ResultsSignificant relationships were observed between the colonization of periodontopathic bacteria in tongue coating and plaque samples, especially that of P. gingivalis. VSC concentration showed the most significant association with colonization of P. gingivalis in both tongue coating and dental plaque. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the adjusted partial correlation coefficient [Exp(B)] values for VSC concentration with the colonization of P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, and T. denticola in dental plaque were 135, 35.4 and 10.4, respectively. In addition, smoking habit was also shown to be a significant variable in regression models [Exp(B)=6.19, 8.92 and 2.53, respectively]. Therefore, receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to predict the colonization of periodontal bacteria in dental plaque in the subjects divided by smoking habit. Based on our results, we found cut-off values that indicated likelihood ratios (LR) within the efficient range for positive findings in both groups. ConclusionThe present results demonstrated that measurement of VSC concentration in mouth air is a useful method to predict the presence of colonization of some periodontopathic bacteria in dental plaque.

Association Between Volatile Sulfur Compounds and Periodontal Disease Progression in Elderly Non‐Smokers

Periodontal pathogenic microorganisms produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), such as hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide. VSCs are toxic to periodontal tissue. Therefore, there is a relationship between periodontitis and the VSC level of mouth air. However, the association between VSC and periodontal disease progression has not been investigated in a longitudinal study. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between VSCs in mouth air and periodontal disease progression among elderly dentulous non-smokers. Two hundred forty-one dentulous non-smokers (103 males and 138 females; all 70 years old) had their VSC levels examined with a portable sulfide monitor, and their periodontal status was assessed. Periodontal examinations were performed at baseline and once a year for 3 years to investigate the clinical attachment levels of all teeth. Participants were classified by membership in tertile groups (lowest, middle, and highest) according to the value of baseline VSC measurements. In negative binomial regression analysis, the number of teeth with periodontal disease progression for participants in the highest tertile of VSC measurement was greater (incidence rate ratio of 1.33, P = 0.011) than for the reference group (lowest tertile of VSC measurement) after simultaneously adjusting for sex, number of remaining teeth, and maximum clinical attachment level. VSC measurements were significantly associated with periodontal disease progression in a non-smoking dentulous elderly population. This suggests that VSC measurements are useful for the diagnosis of periodontal disease progression.

Comparison of breath and in-mouth collection for the measurement of oral malodorous compounds by gas chromatography using sulfur chemiluminescence detection

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), specifically hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfide, are generally considered to be the primary volatiles responsible for ‘morning’ malodors in breath. To date, the ‘gold standard’ for detecting VSC concentrations in breath is the use of gas chromatography coupled with sulfur chemiluminescence detection. Breath gas is often collected in a polypropylene syringe and then aliquots are injected into a gas chromatograph for analysis. The objective of this work was to compare the Twister™ bar in-mouth extraction methodology for measurement of VSCs with the gas syringe breath-sampling collection technique. The Twister bar technology captures malodorous compounds in the mouth as opposed to breath gas. Using these techniques, comparable results were obtained in studies demonstrating the efficacy of a proprietary oral malodor counteraction system.

Prevalence of halitosis in the population of the city of Bern, Switzerland:

Epidemiological data on halitosis are rare. In this study we evaluated the prevalence of halitosis in the population of the city of Bern, Switzerland, using a standardized questionnaire and clinical examination. First of all, a standardized questionnaire was filled out by all 419 participants. In the clinical examination, 'objective' values for halitosis were gathered through two different organoleptic assessments and by the measurement of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). Additionally, tongue coating and the modified periodontal screening index (PSI) were evaluated for each participant. The questionnaire revealed that 32% of all subjects sometimes or often experienced halitosis. The organoleptic evaluation (grade 0-5) identified 48 persons with grade 3 and higher. Measurement of VSC identified 117 subjects (28%) with readings of >or= 75 parts per billion (ppb). Tongue coating, modified PSI, and smoking were significantly associated with higher organoleptic scores, and tongue coating and smoking were associated with higher VSC values. For about one-third of the Bernese city population, halitosis seems to pose an oral health problem. Only a weak correlation between self-reported halitosis and either organoleptic or VSC measurements could be detected.

Prevalence of Halitosis in Young Male Adults: A Study in Swiss Army Recruits Comparing Self‐Reported and Clinical Data

Sound epidemiologic data on halitosis are rare. We evaluated the prevalence of halitosis in a young male adult population in Switzerland using a standardized questionnaire and clinical examination. Six hundred twenty-six Swiss Army recruits aged 18 to 25 years (mean: 20.3 years) were selected as study subjects. First, a standardized questionnaire focusing on dental hygiene, self-reported halitosis, smoking, and alcohol consumption was filled out by all participants. In the clinical examination, objective values for the presence of halitosis were gathered through an organoleptic assessment of the breath odor and the measurement of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). Additionally, tongue coating, plaque index, and probing depths were evaluated for each recruit. The questionnaire revealed that only 17% of all included recruits had never experienced halitosis. The organoleptic evaluation (grades 0 to 3) identified eight persons with grade 3, 148 persons with grade 2, and 424 persons with grade 1 or 0. The calculation of the Pearson correlation coefficient to evaluate the relationship among the three methods of assessing halitosis revealed little to no correlation. The organoleptic score showed high reproducibility (kappa = 0.79). Tongue coating was the only influencing factor found to contribute to higher organoleptic scores and higher VSC values. Oral malodor seemed to pose an oral health problem for about one-fifth of 20-year-old Swiss males questioned. No correlation between self-reported halitosis and organoleptic or VSC measurements could be detected. Although the organoleptic method described here offers a high reproducibility, the lack of correlation between VSC values and organoleptic scores has to be critically addressed. For further studies assessing new organoleptic scores, a validated index should always be included as a direct control.

Chronic stress increases the production of volatile sulphur compounds in rats

In the great majority of cases, halitosis is originated in the mouth itself and psychological symptoms have been pointed out as one of halitosis‐inducing factor. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in laboratory animals, the effect of chronic mild stress (CMS) on the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), the main component of bad breath. VSC measurements were made using a portable industrial monitor (Halimeter) once a week, during seven weeks, in control and stressed adult males Wistar rats. CMS group was submitted to the stress protocol on weeks 3, 4 and 5 (Student t test; p&lt;0.05). Rats submitted to CMS presented an increase in the production of oral VSC, in comparison to the control group, on week 3 (22±1 vs. 18±1 ppb), week 4 (25±1 vs. 16±1 ppb), week 5 (24±1 vs. 17±1 ppb) and week 6 (26±2 vs.19±1 ppb), with no difference on week 7 (16±1 vs. 16 ± 0.6 ppb). Our data confirm the influence of stress on the production of oral VSC and demonstrate that this effect is still observed one week after the cessation of stress stimulus. Financial Support: FAPESP, CNPq

Comparison of headspace and direct single-drop microextraction and headspace solid-phase microextraction for the measurement of volatile sulfur compounds in beer and beverage by gas chromatography with flame photometric detection

Three approaches based on headspace single-drop microextraction (HS-SDME), direct single-drop microextraction (Direct-SDME), and headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME), have been compared for analyzing volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) in beer and beverage. Procedures and performance of the three methods have been contrasted through the determination of extraction efficiencies, precision, linearity and limits of detection. The overall process of HS-SDME and HS-SPME was applied to GC–FPD determination of five VSCs in beer and beverage.

Development of a Compact and Simple Gas Chromatography for Oral Malodor Measurement

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in oral air are the only type of gases correlated with the strength of oral malodor. We developed a compact and simple gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with a newly invented indium oxide semiconductor gas sensor (SCS) for measuring the concentrations of VSCs in mouth air. We have assessed the correlation between measurements with a GC-SCS and those with a regular GC. Oral air samples from randomly selected volunteers were analyzed with both a GC-SCS and a GC with a flame photometric detector (FPD), which is specific to VSCs, and GC-SCS measurements were compared to those obtained by GC-FPD. Subsequently, oral air samples before and after mouthrinsing with 5% ethanol mouthwash were analyzed to determine the effect of ethanol on VSC measurements by GC-SCS. There were strong correlations between VSC concentrations determined using these two gas chromatography methods (hydrogen sulfide, R=0.821, P<0.0001; methyl mercaptan, R=0.870, P<0.0001; and dimethyl sulfide, R=0.770, P<0.0001). Although GC-SCS can differentiate ethanol and VSCs in oral air samples after mouthrinsing, GC-SCS measurements demonstrated higher values than those obtained by GC-FPD; however, this discrepancy improved over time due to the reduced effect of ethanol. The results suggest that GC-SCS may be useful for the diagnosis of halitosis.

Influence of anxiety on the production of oral volatile sulfur compounds

Since many patients complain about halitosis without there being any clinical evidence of its cause, psychological symptoms have been pointed out as halitosis-inducing factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of anxiety on the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). Seventeen undergraduate men in good oral and general health participated in this study, after approval by the ethics committee. The volunteers were requested to refrain from toothbrushing, using mouth rinse and eating on the experimental day. Before presenting the anxiogenic condition, the volunteer was asked to fill out the Beck Anxiety Inventory questionnaire, to check whether he had been exposed to stressors during the previous week. The Video-Recorded Stroop Color-Word Test (VRSCWT) was used to elicit anxiety. The VSC (halimeter), blood pressure, heart rate and salivary flow measurements were taken before and after the VRSCWT. The volunteers presented a minimal or slight level of anxiety before the test. There was an increase in the oral concentration of VSC, Systolic Blood Pressure and of heart rate ( p < 0.05) after the VRSCWT, and no changes in the salivary flow. The results of the present study showed that the anxiogenic condition (VRSCWT) induced increases in VSC concentration, which might contribute to halitosis.

P26 Breath odor evaluation by detection of volatile sulfur compounds – correlation with organoleptic odor ratings

Detection of oral volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) by gas chromatography (GC) is a widely used method for evaluating breath odor. Air aspirated from the mouth is injected into the GC column for analysis. To eliminate discrepancies caused by variations in operator sampling or injection techniques, a new GC system designed to aspirate breath samples directly into the GC was developed.Objective A clinical study was performed to compare this new automated breath‐sampling GC system to organoleptic evaluation by two‐trained odor judges.Methods A randomized, two‐cell, double‐blind, parallel design was used in which subjects were tested before and 3 h after using either a mouthrinse containing zinc or a matching placebo rinse. Thirteen subjects used the zinc mouthrinse, and twelve used the placebo. Subjects with a wide range of VSC levels were studied. The average organoleptic ratings for each subject at each time point were compared to the average VSC measurements made with the GC, and Pearson product–moment correlation coefficients between the corresponding GC and organoleptic measurements were determined.Results The correlation between the GC and organoleptic assessment methods were highly significant (P ≤ 0.001) for: total VSCs, 0.65; H2S, 0.63; CH3SH, 0.61; and (CH3)2S, 0.46. The correlation between the two judges was also highly significant (0.823, P &lt; 0.001).Conclusion These results demonstrate the utility of the automated gas chromatography method for evaluating breath odor.

P9 Screening for severe periodontal disease in an elderly population using methyl mercaptan concentration ratio

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness of methyl mercaptan concentration ratio on mass screening for periodontal disease in an elderly population.Methods One hundred and twenty‐two individuals (73 males and 49 females) aged 75 years who had at least 20 teeth in 2003 were chosen from participants of the Niigata Elderly Study (longitudinal study since 1998). Volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) in their mouth such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) and dimethyl sulfide ((CH3)2S) were measured, using portable gas chromatography (Oral Chroma®, Abilit Co Ltd, Osaka, Japan). The subjects were divided into periodontitis/no periodontitis groups based on having at least one site of pocket depth with more than 6 mm (PD 6+ mm). A CH3SH concentration ratio was defined as CH3SH/(CH3SH + H2S). The receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to decide the best cut off point of the CH3SH concentration ratio for screening of subjects with PD 6+ mm.Results and discussion The best cut‐off point of the CH3SH concentration ratio was 0.35, and the sensitivity and specificity of this cut‐off point were 58.7 and 68.4%, respectively. The percentage of subjects with PD 6+ mm in the group of CH3SH concentration ratio ≥0.35 was 52.9 % (27 of 51) and that in the &lt;0.35 group was 26.8 % (19/71), and, the groups were significantly different (P = 0.0059, χ2 test). It had been reported that VSC, in particular CH3SH concentration, was significantly higher in persons with periodontal disease than in periodontally healthy persons. Furthermore, in this study, the use of a portable gas chromatography enabled the VSC measurements for periodontal disease screening outside of the clinic.Conclusion These findings suggest that CH3SH concentration ratio may be useful on mass screening for periodontal disease in an elderly population.

P23 Discrimination of oral‐halitosis substance under humidity‐rich environment by using QCM sensor array and a preconcentrator

Objectives A halitosis test for objective evaluation is required. Halitosis is due to Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) produced by bacterial metabolism. In this study, we proposed a method for discriminating among sulfur compounds using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensor array combined with a preconcentrator. The adjustment of the temperature profile, the optimization of the flow path sequence and the use of a dehumidification filter enabled VSC measurement under a high‐humidity condition. Moreover, the result of principal component analysis indicated that three types of VSCs were separated using the sensor‐array output pattern.Methods Multiple QCMs with different coating films were used as a sensor array and the pattern recognition of eight different sensor responses enabled the odor identification. The preconcentrator was used not only for improving limit of detection but for eliminating the influence of humidity by adjusting the desorption temperature. The headspace over the liquid (water or ODO) where VSC was dissolved with the concentration of 0.1% (w/w) was used as the samples.Results and conclusion An experiment on the discrimination among VSCs was performed. The headspace vapor of each sample was supplied to the preconcentrator for 30 s, followed by an exposure of the vapor thermally desorbed at 170°C to the QCM sensor array. The sensing films suitable for VSCs were selected among the various candidates and the peaks of the sensor responses to VSCs were analyzed using principal component analysis. Each sample was measured 10 times at the intervals of 30 min. As a result, it was found that three kinds of VSCs were successfully discriminated. Furthermore, it was found that the sensor responses increased in case of longer accumulation time. Thus, it is possible to detect the sample with lower concentration. This measurement method will be effective to diagnose halitosis objectively.

Breath odor evaluation by detection of volatile sulfur compounds – correlation with organoleptic odor ratings

Background: Detection of oral volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) by gas chromatography (GC) is a widely used method for evaluating breath odor. Air aspirated from the mouth is injected into the GC column for analysis. To eliminate discrepancies caused by variations in operator sampling or injection techniques, a new GC system designed to aspirate breath samples directly into the GC was developed.Objective: A clinical study was performed to compare this new automated breath‐sampling GC system to organoleptic evaluation by two trained odor judges.Methods: A randomized, two‐cell, double‐blind, parallel design was used in which subjects were tested before and 3 h after using either a mouthrinse containing zinc or a matching placebo rinse. Thirteen subjects used the zinc mouthrinse, and 12 used the placebo. Subjects with a wide range of VSC levels were studied. The average organoleptic ratings for each subject at each time‐point were compared with the average VSC measurements made with the GC, and Pearson product–moment correlation coefficients between the corresponding GC and organoleptic measurements were determined.Results: The correlation between the GC and organoleptic assessment methods were highly significant (P ≤ 0.001) for: total VSC, 0.65; H2S, 0.63; CH3SH, 0.61; and (CH3)2S, 0.46. The correlation between the two judges was also highly significant (0.823, P &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: These results demonstrate the utility of the automated GC method for evaluating breath odor.