Oral Volatile Sulfur Compounds Research Articles

Effect of sleeve gastrectomy on the levels of oral volatile sulfur compounds and halitosis-related bacteria

BackgroundThe association between sleeve gastrectomy and halitosis remains relatively unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of sleeve gastrectomy on halitosis and the oral bacterial species associated with halitosis in patients with obesity. MethodsThis was a prospective longitudinal cohort study that examined patients before and after sleeve gastrectomy and followed the patients at three time intervals (1, 3, and 6 months) after sleeve gastrectomy. Clinical periodontal measurements (plaque index [PI], gingival index [GI], and probing depth [PD]) were obtained. In addition, plaque samples were collected for quantification of the periodontopathogenic bacteria: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Fusobacterium nucleatum using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In addition, breath samples were collected to analyze the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), namely hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methyl mercaptan (CH3SH), and dimethyl sulfide (CH3SCH3), via portable gas chromatography (Oral Chroma™). ResultsOf the 43 patients initially included, 39 completed the study, with a mean age of 32.2 ± 10.4 years. For PI and GI repeated measurements one way analysis of variance showed a significant increase (p-value < 0.001 for both) one month after surgery, with mean values of 1.3 and 1.59, respectively, compared to the baseline. During the same period, the number of P. gingivalis increased, with a p-value = 0.04. Similarly, the levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) increased significantly in the first month after surgery (p-value = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). ConclusionThis study demonstrated that sleeve gastrectomy may lead to increased halitosis one month post-surgery, attributed to elevated and P. gingivalis counts, contributing to the development of gingivitis in obese patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy. This emphasizes the importance of including oral health professionals in the multidisciplinary team for the management of patients undergoing bariatric surgery

Unveiling the effects of shrimp hydrolysate as a dietary ingredient in healthy adult Beagle dogs.

To be more sustainable, the pet food industry could increase the inclusion of animal byproducts from the human food chain and fish hydrolysates have been reported to benefit dogs' health. However, there is limited research on the impact of alternative marine hydrolysates in dog food. The current study evaluated the effects of including shrimp hydrolysate as a replacement for wheat gluten (experimental diet) in an extruded complete diet (control diet) on diet palatability, intake, digestibility, fecal characteristics and metabolites, oral volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), and coat quality in dogs. The palatability of diets was assessed in a 2-bowl test, conducted with 12 healthy adult Beagle dogs. No differences were observed in the first approach, first taste, or intake ratio. A randomized block design lasting 12wk was performed with 12 dogs distributed into 6 blocks, according to sex and body weight; one dog from each block was randomly allocated to each diet. Fecal characteristics and metabolites were measured in weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12, VSC and coat quality in weeks 4, 8, and 12, and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and energy in week 12. The inclusion of shrimp hydrolysate did not affect intake, but increased fecal output (dry matter, DM, basis, P < 0.05). Fecal butyrate concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in dogs fed the experimental diet. The inclusion of shrimp hydrolysate did not affect ATTD of nutrients and energy, and VSC. Both diets promoted high coat quality. The experimental diet decreased gloss and general evaluation scores in week 4 (P < 0.05), but improved scale scores in weeks 4 and 12 (P < 0.05). Overall, the findings indicate the potential of including shrimp hydrolysate in diets for dogs, fostering a more sustainable industry.

Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in Oral Disease.

Oral diseases are among the most common human diseases yet less studied. These diseases affect both the physical, mental, and social health of the patients resulting in poor quality of life. They affect all ages, although severe stages are mostly observed in older individuals. Poor oral hygiene, genetics, and environmental factors contribute enormously to the development and progression of these diseases. Although there are available treatment options for these diseases, the recurrence of the diseases hinders their efficiency. Oral volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) are highly produced in oral cavity as a result of bacteria activities. Together with bacteria components such as lipopolysaccharides, VSCs participate in the progression of oral diseases by regulating cellular activities and interfering with the immune response. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous neurotransmitter primarily produced endogenously and is involved in the regulation of cellular activities. The gas is also among the VSCs produced by oral bacteria. In numerous diseases, H2S have been reported to have dual effects depending on the cell, concentration, and donor used. In oral diseases, high production and subsequent utilization of this gas have been reported. Also, this high production is associated with the progression of oral diseases. In this review, we will discuss the production of H2S in oral cavity, its interaction with cellular activities, and most importantly its role in oral diseases.

Tongue papillitis and volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) values in a COVID-19 patient.

A 30-years-old male patient in general good health came to my observation for a lingual checkup. The patient had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with a molecular swab about 1 month earlier, with mild symptoms of COVID-19: fever at 37.6°c for a day, mild sore throat. No alteration of flavors and odors. Upon physical examination, he showed excellent dento-periodontal health and very good oral hygiene. At the tip and lingual margins, there were asymptomatic red pinpoint spots, which the patient had noticed appearing from the first day of COVID-19 symptoms. A diagnosis of papillitis had been made and an examination with a gas chromatograph OralChroma™(Oral Chroma™, Abimedical, Abilit Corp., Osaka, Japan) was performed to evaluate tongue Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC) values with the aim to intercept any gastric or respiratory problems. The report showed very high levels of CH32S (735, when the maximum is 9) closely associated with gastric pathologies. An explanation of the phenomenon would lead to think that the SARS-CoV-2 virus had proliferated more in the gastric than in the respiratory field. The presence of papillitis in patients with COVID-19 has previously been documented in the scientific literature but has never been correlated with oral VSC values. Differential diagnosis includes: lingual irritation from savory or spicy foods, papillitis not linked to COVID-19 or mild alteration of the normal shape of the lingual mucosa in people who abuse alcohol.

Targeted Chemometrics Investigations of Source-, Age- and Gender-Dependencies of Oral Cavity Malodorous Volatile Sulphur Compounds

Halitosis is a highly distressing, socially unaesthetic condition, with a very high incidence amongst the adult population. It predominantly arises from excessive oral cavity volatile sulphur compound (VSC) concentrations, which have either oral or extra-oral etiologies (90–95% and 5–10% of cases, respectively). However, reports concerning age- and gender-related influences on the patterns and concentrations of these malodorous agents remain sparse; therefore, this study’s first objective was to explore the significance and impact of these potential predictor variables on the oral cavity levels of these malodorants. Moreover, because non-oral etiologies for halitosis may represent avatars of serious extra-oral diseases, the second objective was to distinguish between etiology- (source-) dependent patterns of oral cavity VSCs. Oral cavity VSC determinations were performed on 116 healthy human participants using a non-stationary gas chromatographic facility, and following a 4 h period of abstention from all non-respiratory oral activities. Participants were grouped according to ages or age bands, and gender. Statistical analyses of VSC level data acquired featured both univariate/correlation and multivariate (MV) approaches. Factorial analysis-of-variance and MV analyses revealed that the levels of all VSCs monitored were independent of both age and gender. Principal component analysis (PCA) and a range of further MV analysis techniques, together with an agglomerative hierarchal clustering strategy, demonstrated that VSC predictor variables were partitioned into two components, the first arising from orally-sourced H2S and CH3SH, the second from extra-orally-sourced (CH3)2S alone (about 55% and 30% of total variance respectively). In conclusion, oral cavity VSC concentrations appear not to be significantly influenced by age and gender. Furthermore, (CH3)2S may serve as a valuable biomarker for selected extra-oral conditions.

Effects of academic stress on the levels of oral volatile sulfur compounds, halitosis-related bacteria and stress biomarkers of healthy female undergraduate students

To investigate whether academic stress changes the salivary microbiota and its relationship with salivary parameters, evaluating the effects on the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in healthy women. Fifty-five women who were enrolled in a four-year Dentistry course were assessed for academic stress by the questionnaire Maslach Burnout Inventory—Student Survey and were then classified into ‘Not Stressed’ and ‘Stressed’ groups. Cortisol and alpha-amylase (AA) were measured as physiological stress biomarkers. Oral Chroma™ gas chromatograph was used to measure concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfide. Salivary proteins were evaluated by western blot. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the salivary amounts of halitosis-associated bacteria. The ‘Stressed’ volunteers showed higher levels of H2S, AA, Fusobacterium nucleatum and total bacteria, compared to the ‘Not Stressed’ individuals (p < 0.05; Mann–Whitney test). Salivary proteins showed no differences between groups (p > 0.05; Mann–Whitney test). Academic stress was positively correlated with H2S, total bacteria and F. nucleatum counts, while F. nucleatum was positively correlated with AA. H2S showed positive correlations with AA and Solobacterium moorei (p < 0.05; Spearman correlation). Beta-defensin (BD) presented negative correlations with H2S and S. moorei (p < 0.05; Spearman correlation). Academic stress increased salivary F. nucleatum and total bacteria, as well as AA activity. The protein BD showed important correlations with bacteria and VSC. These changes appeared to be accountable for increased H2S production in the stressed women.

Daylong Effect of Rinsing with Water Diluted Antiplaque®Toothpaste Combined with Toothbrushing on Volatile Sulphur Compound Levels

Halitosis, complained by most adult population, is a common oral condition. About 8%% of the cases happened because of the microbia activity in the oral cavity that produces Volatile Sulphur Compound (VSC) which has unpleasant odour. Daily oral prophylaxis can reduce the oral VSC levels. Objective: to determine the daylong effect of Antiplque® toothpaste in daily oral prophylaxis: as dentrifice for tooth brushing and, in modified way, as oral rinse; on the VSC level. Methods: a double blind, clinical experimental study, involving 120 subjects with or without halitosis complain, divided in 2 treatment groups (oral rinse group and the combination of tooth brushing and oral rinse group, using Antiplaque® toothpaste) and 2 control groups (same procedure using placebo toothpaste). The daylong VSC levels measure with halimeter were taken twice, in the afternoon day I and day II. Results: there are significant reduction of daylong VSC levels (Wilcoxon signed rank test P<0.0%), but not in the treatment groups using the placebo toothpaste. The result on conbination of tooth brushing and oral rinse using Antiplaque® toothpaste are significant compared to the oral rinse treatment using Antiplaque® toothpaste alone (Mann Whitney, P<0.05). Conclusion: tooth brushing with Antiplaque® toothpaste combined with oral rinse using the modified Antiplaque® toothpaste can significantly reduce daylong VSC levels. DOI: 10.14693/jdi.v16i2.94

Effect of toothbrushing discontinuation on morning volatile sulfur compounds in periodontally healthy subjects.

To follow up the variations of early morning concentrations of oral volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in periodontally healthy subjects who refrained from toothbrushing during a period of 5 days while continuing with other hygiene procedures. Thirteen subjects volunteered for this study. At baseline, all subjects stopped brushing their teeth for 5 days, but continued using dental floss and a tongue scraper twice daily. Organoleptic measurements, VSC quantification and plaque index were recorded in all subjects at baseline and on days 3 and 5 of the study period. At baseline, the visible plaque index was significantly lower than that observed on days 3 and 5 (P = 0.0001). However, no significant differences in the amount of plaque were observed between days 3 and 5 (P > 0.05). The results of the organoleptic measurements and VSC quantifications did not show any statistically significant differences between baseline and day 3, or between days 3 and 5 (P > 0.05). However, a significant increase was observed in both VSCs (P = 0.008) and organoleptic scores (P = 0.032) when baseline values were compared to day 5. A positive correlation between VSCs and organoleptic scores was observed in all measurements (r = 0.67, P < 0.0001). The results of this study suggest that the lack of toothbrushing may affect VSC levels and the organoleptic perception of oral malodour due to the development of biofilm on buccal and lingual surfaces of teeth in healthy subjects.

Halitosis and tongue coating in patients with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease versus nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease

The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients with diagnosed erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (ERD) have an increased probability of halitosis and tongue coating compared to patients with nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD). Sixty-six patients (33 males and 33 females) were recruited for the study and received an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The presence of ERD (n = 31) and NERD (n = 35) was classified based on the Los Angeles classification for erosive changes in the esophagus. Additionally, the patients filled in a questionnaire regarding their subjective assessment of halitosis, and an organoleptic assessment of halitosis, a measurement of oral volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) with the Halimeter, and a tongue coating index were performed. ERD and NERD subjects were compared with regard to Halitosis-related clinical and anamnestic findings. No statistically significant difference could be found between ERD and NERD patients regarding tongue coating index, organoleptic scores, and VSC values as well as self-perceived bad taste, tongue coating, and bad breath. These data suggest that halitosis is not typically associated with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease and the presence of esophageal mucosal damage (ERD patients). The data of this investigation support the findings of interdisciplinary bad breath clinics that gastroesophageal reflux disease is not a leading cause for halitosis.

A randomised clinical trial to assess control of oral malodour by a novel dentifrice containing 0.1%w/w o-cymen-5-ol, 0.6%w/w zinc chloride

To assess the ability of a 0.1% w/w o-cymen-5-ol/ 0.6% w/w zinc chloride/ sodium fluoride dentifrice to control oral malodour compared to a sodium fluoride control dentifrice. Following baseline measurement of oral volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), the subjects brushed twice daily for 1 week with either the test or control dentifrice. The VSC concentration in breath samples was monitored up to 12 hours post-treatment, by gas chromatography (GC). 75 subjects were included in the efficacy analysis. Relative to the sodium fluoride control dentifrice group the o-cymen-5-ol/ zinc chloride/ sodium fluoride dentifrice exhibited statistically significant reductions (P<0.0001) in hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and total measured VSCs immediately and after 1, 2, 3 and 12 (overnight) hours post-treatment. The results of the present clinical study demonstrated that the use of the 0.1% w/w o-cymen-5-ol/ 0.6% w/w zinc chloride/ sodium fluoride dentifrice over a one week period provided a statistically significant benefit in controlling oral malodour for up to 12 hours post-treatment compared to a sodium fluoride control dentifrice.

Comparative effects of various commercially available mouthrinse formulations on oral malodour

The primary aim of this study was to compare a new mouthwash (SB12®) containing 0.025% chlorhexidine and 0.3% zinc for oral malodor reduction against four commercially available mouthwashes and negative control. A secondary aim was to compare the two methods for measuring volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) by halimetry and OralChroma. Organoleptic scale, halimeter and the OralChroma were used to assess oral malodour and VSC. The effects of five test formulations and water (negative control) were assessed after 30, 60, 90 and 180 min, with 1 week between the treatments to avoid any cross-over effect. Reduction in H(2) S by halimetry and malodour levels by organoleptic assessment ranged from, slight (LacerFresh®) (P > 0.05), moderate (BreathRx®, SmartMouth® (P < 0.01) to marked effects (SB12®, Listerine®) (P < 0.001) at all time points compared with water. The largest differences were observed at 30 min and decreased with time. SB12® showed separation from Listerine® at 180 min, using ANOVA plus Bonferroni's Multiple Comparison post-test (P < 0.05). Relationships between organoleptic, halimeter and OralChroma were between R² = 0.795 and 0.926. SB12 shows a consistent and reproducible inhibitory effect on oral malodor parameters, which in turn correlate well with each other.

The analysis of oral air using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry in persons with and without a history of oral malodour

Oral malodour is a common disorder predominantly caused by bacterial metabolism of food stuffs in the mouth. It is routinely diagnosed and monitored by either the subjective rating or the measurement of oral volatile sulphur compound (VSC) levels. Non-sulphur compounds are also believed to contribute significantly to the condition although there is currently no direct means to assess their levels. In this study, we utilized selective flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) to measure, in real time, a range of sulphur and non-sulphur containing compounds in oral air to determine whether the technique can be used to objectively monitor oral malodour. Oral malodour was assessed using organoleptic scores in subjects with and without a history of oral malodour (n = 18) by a trained rater, while the chemical composition of oral air was analysed by both VSC sensor and SIFT-MS. Total VSC levels were significantly correlated with levels of hydrogen sulphide and methylmercaptan measured by SIFT-MS, but not with organoleptic scores. In subjects with elevated organoleptic score, only levels of methylmercaptan were significantly elevated. In three subjects with elevated tongue organoleptic scores but normal total VSC levels, SIFT-MS suggested that one subject possessed high levels of oral acetone while another had high oral levels of acetic acid. Our data suggest that SIFT-MS can be used to assess a wide range of compounds in oral air in addition to VSC to provide a clearer picture of the chemical nature of malodour. This may assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of the condition.

Control of oral malodour by dentifrices measured by gas chromatography

Objective To evaluate the effect of toothpaste treatments on levels of oral volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) measured by gas chromatography in two clinical studies. Methods These were blinded, randomised, controlled, crossover studies with 16 (study A) or 20 (study B) healthy volunteers between the ages of 19-54. Study A: breath samples were collected at baseline, immediately and lhr after brushing. Four dentifrices (Zinc A, Zinc B, commercially available triclosan dentifrice and zinc free control) were evaluated. Study B: breath samples were collected at baseline, immediately, 1, 2, 3 and 7 hours after treatment. Subjects consumed a light breakfast then provided an additional breath sample between baseline assessment and treatment. Two dentifrices (gel-to-foam and a commercially available triclosan dentrifrice) were evaluated. Breath samples were collected in syringes and analysed for VSCs (hydrogen sulphide, methyl mercaptan and Total VSCs) utilising gas chromatography (GC) with flame photometric detection. Results Study A: immediately after treatment, a statistically significant reduction in VSCs from baseline was observed for Zinc A product only. A statistically significant reduction in VSCs from baseline was observed after 1 hour for all products. Both zinc products exhibited a significantly greater reduction from baseline VSCs than Colgate Total and Control at all time points. Study B: a statistically significant reduction in VSCs from baseline was observed at all time points for both products. The gel-to-foam product exhibited significantly greater reduction from baseline Total VSC concentration than Colgate Total at all time points from 1 hour post-treatment. Conclusion Control of oral malodour by toothpaste treatment, evaluated as VSC levels using GC, has been demonstrated. Zinc is effective at reducing VSCs and the efficacy of zinc is formulation dependent. A gel-to-foam dentifrice was more effective at reducing VSCs than Colgate Total up to 7 hours.

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

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.

A preliminary study of the effect of probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 on oral malodour parameters

To determine whether dosing with bacteriocin-producing Streptococcus salivarius following an antimicrobial mouthwash effects a change in oral malodour parameters and in the composition of the oral microbiota of subjects with halitosis. Twenty-three subjects with halitosis undertook a 3-day regimen of chlorhexidine (CHX) mouth rinsing, followed at intervals by the use of lozenges containing either S. salivarius K12 or placebo. Assessment of the subjects' volatile sulphur compound (VSC) levels 1 week after treatment initiation showed that 85% of the K12-treated group and 30% of the placebo group had substantial (>100 ppb) reductions. The bacterial composition of the saliva was monitored by culture and PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). Changes in the PCR-DGGE profiles occurred in most subjects following K12 treatment. In vitro testing showed that S. salivarius K12 suppressed the growth of black-pigmented bacteria in saliva samples and also in various reference strains of bacteria implicated in halitosis. Administration of bacteriocin-producing S. salivarius after an oral antimicrobial mouthwash reduces oral VSC levels. The outcome of this preliminary study indicates that the replacement of bacteria implicated in halitosis by colonization with competitive bacteria such as S. salivarius K12 may provide an effective strategy to reduce the severity of halitosis.

The change of oral volatile sulfur compounds(VSC) concentration after periodontal treatment

The change of oral volatile sulfur compounds(VSC) concentration after periodontal treatment

Quantitative detection of volatile sulfur compound‐ producing microorganisms in oral specimens using real‐time PCR

It is well-known that some periodontopathic bacteria, especially Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Tannerella forsythia (formerly Bacteroides forsythus or Tan. forsythensis), and Treponema denticola, actively produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), such as H2S and CH3SH. We previously reported a qualitative relationship between periodontopathic bacteria and VSCs; however, a quantitative analysis of periodontopathic bacteria in oral specimens is required for further characterization of the relationship between oral bacteria and VSCs. In this study, we report a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the quantitative analysis of VSC-producing bacteria in oral specimens. Specimens were collected from 22 patients who visited the Preventive Dentistry and Breath Odor Clinic of Kyushu Dental College. A real-time PCR assay using the TaqMan system, based on the 5'-3' exonuclease activity of Taq polymerase, was employed for the quantitative analysis of periodontopathic bacteria that produce VSCs. Using real-time PCR, we performed a quantitative analysis of P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum, Tan. forsythia, and T. denticola in the saliva, on the tongue coat, and in the subgingival plaque of patients with oral malodor. Real-time PCR using the TaqMan system can be used for the quantitative analysis of VSC-producing oral bacteria.

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.

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.