Levels Of Volatile Sulfur Compounds Research Articles

EFFECTIVENESS OF 5% GUAVA LEAF (Psidium guajava Linn) EXTRACT OF WHITE FRUIT VARIANT TO DECREASE LEVELS OF Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) IN HALITOSIS SUFFERERS

Halitosis is a general term used to describe the bad breath coming out of the oral cavity. Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) are a major component causes of halitosis, formed from the break down of protein substrate by gram-negative anaerobes such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tanerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia and Treponema denticola. Guava leaf (Psidium guajava Linn) contain high levels of quercetin compounds that can inhibit the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of 5% guava leaf (Psidium guajava linn) extract of white fruit variant to decrease levels of Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) in halitosis sufferers. This research method was pre-experimental which consists of 19 subjects. The guava leaf (Psidium guajava Linn) extract was made by maceration method and diluted with distiled water at 5% concentration. The levels of Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) were measured by breath checker before (pre test) and after (post test) treatment. Wilcoxon test showed that there was a significant difference between the levels of Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) before and after gargling with 5% guava leaf (Psidium guajava Linn) extract of white fruit variant (p<0,05). The conclusion of this research was 5% guava leaf (Psidium guajava Linn) extract of white fruit variant effectively decreases levels of Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) in halitosis sufferers.

The effect of a commercial probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota on oral health in healthy dentate people.

BackgroundIn the past decade, the use of probiotic-containing products has been explored as a potential alternative in oral health therapy. A widely available probiotic drink, Yakult, was evaluated for oral health applications in this longitudinal study. Selected oral health parameters, such as levels and composition of salivary and tongue plaque microbiota and of malodorous gases, in dentate healthy individuals were investigated for changes. The persistence of the probiotic strain in the oral cavity was monitored throughout the study period.MethodsA three-phase study (7 weeks) was designed to investigate simultaneously the effect of 4-week consumption of the probiotic-containing milk drink Yakult on the microbiota of saliva and dorsum tongue coating in healthy dentate people (n = 22) and levels of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) in morning breath. Study phases comprised one baseline visit, at which ‘control’ levels of oral parameters were obtained prior to the probiotic product consumption; a 4-week period of daily consumption of one 65 ml bottle of Yakult, each bottle containing a minimum of 6.5×109 viable cells of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS); and a 2-week washout period. The microbial viability and composition of saliva and tongue dorsum coating were assessed using a range of solid media. The presence of LcS in the oral cavity was investigated using a novel selective medium, ‘LcS Select’. Portable sulphur monitors Halimeter® and OralChromaTM were used to measure levels of VSCs in morning breath.ResultsUtilization of the LcS Select medium revealed a significant (p < 0.05) but temporary and consumption-dependent presence of LcS in saliva and tongue plaque samples from healthy dentate individuals (n = 19) during the probiotic intervention phase. LcS was undetectable with culture after 2 weeks of ceasing its consumption. Morning breath scores measured with Halimeter and OralChroma were not significantly affected throughout the trial, except in a small number of individual cases where Halimeter scores were significantly reduced during the probiotic intervention period. Natural fluctuations in resident acidogenic populations, and numbers of Candida and anaerobic species, including malodourous Gram-negative anaerobes, were unaffected.ConclusionWhile no broad ecological changes in the mouth were induced by consumption of Yakult in healthy dentate individuals, findings of this study confirm the temporary and intake-dependent presence of LcS. Future studies could focus on subjects at greater risk of oral infection, where ill-defined microbiota (e.g. an increased presence of periopathogens) or clinically diagnosed halitosis might be significantly affected by consumption of this probiotic.

Daylong Effect of Tooth Brushing or Combination Tooth Brushing and Tongue Cleaning Using Antiplaque®Toothpaste on Volatile Sulphur Compound Levels

Objective: to determine the daylong effect of Antiplaque® toothpaste active copound and the effect of tooth brushing or combination of tooth brushing and tongue cleaning on Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSC) levels. Methods: Clinical experimental double blinded microbiological and clinical examination. Subjects mainly from dental faculty student with or without a chief complain of halitosis. One hundred and twenty subjects were divided into four groups that consist of thirty samples each group. Two group are treatment subjects were divided into four groups that consist thirty samples each group. Two groups are treatment groups using Antiplaque® toothpaste and two groups are control groups using placebo toothpaste. The daylong effects of VSC levels are measured by Halimeter and organoleptic. The intraoral status were measured including periodontal status and tongue index. Result: There are a reduction of VSC levels in both treatment and control group, but the reduction only significant in group using Antiplaque® toothpaste (Wilcoxon signed rank test, p<0.05). There are a reduction of VSC levels in both treatment using Antiplaque® toothpaste, but the combination of tooth brushing and tongue cleaning reduced VSC levels significantly lower than tooth brushing treatment (Mann Whitney U test, P,0.05). Conclusion: Tooth brushing and tongue cleaning using Antiplaque® toothpaste significantly reduced VSC levels. DOI: 10.14693/jdi.v16i2.95

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

Relación entre los niveles de compuestos volátiles sulfurados con los niveles de RANKL y OPG en pacientes con periodontitis crónica moderada o severa: Estudio transversal

BackgroundThe effect of the Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC) on the periodontal tissues, specifically at the RANKL/OPG level has not been elucidate and there is little literature published on this subject. AimTo explore if the VSC levels measured in the oral cavity of patients with moderate or severe chronic periodontitis are correlated with the expression of RANKL and OPG at the gingival fluid level (GF). MethodA crosssectional study was conducted with 71 patients referred by the Universidad de los Andes's dentistry diagnosis department. After undergoing fullmouth periodontal exam, levels of CVS were recorded using a sulfur monitor and then GF was extracted to assess RANKL and OPG levels with ELISA. Data was analyzed with Spearman correlation test. ResultsThe correlation (R) between the VSC and the GF levels was 0.098 with a p value = 0.41; -0.084 with a p value = 0.48 y 0.067 with a p value = 0.57 respectively. ConclusionsThis study could not demonstrate if there is a relation between the VSC levels and the expression of RANKL and OPG in the GF in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Effects of tongue coating and oral health on halitosis among dental students.

To assess halitosis and determine the relationship between halitosis and tongue scores, periodontal status and DMFT among dental students. The study comprised 268 (178 female, 90 male) dental students. Halitosis was measured using a Halimeter and the organoleptic method. Halitosis was diagnosed with a mean volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) level of >=125 ppb and an organoleptic measurement of >= 2 on a 0- to 5-point scale. Tongue scores were obtained using a tongue coating index (TCI), periodontal status was measured and assessed using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) and DMFT indices were calculated. Halitosis occurred at higher rates among male students than female students (83% vs 71%, P = 0.02). No differences were found in halitosis rates among students in different academic years (P = 0.6) or age groups (P = 0.6). A relationship was found between halitosis and tongue scores (P < 0.001) and between halitosis and mean CPITN scores (P = 0.004). The mean DMFT was 4.02 (SD = 3). No relationship was found between halitosis and DMFT index (P = 0.5). Halitosis was prevalent among dental students. Given their responsibilities for diagnosing and improving oral health, they may benefit from increased awareness of the problem and encouragement to improve their own oral hygiene, especially male students.

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.

Effect of green tea mouthwash on oral malodor.

This study aimed to determine the effect of green tea mouthwash on oral malodor, plaque, and gingival inflammation. Gingivitis subjects who had over 80 parts per billion of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) in the morning breath were randomly assigned into green tea or placebo mouthwash group. At baseline, VSC, Plaque Index (PI) and Papillary Bleeding Index (PBI) were recorded. Participants were rinsed with the assigned mouthwash, and VSC level was remeasured at 30 minutes and 3 hours postrinsing. For the following 4 weeks, participants were asked to rinse with the assigned mouthwash twice daily. VSC, PI and PBI were remeasured at day 28. It was found that, at 30 minutes and 3 hours postrinsing, VSC was reduced by 36.76% and 33.18% in the green tea group and 19.83% and 9.17% in the placebo group, respectively. At day 28, VSC was reduced by 38.61% in the green tea group and 10.86% in the placebo group. VSC level in the green tea group was significantly different when compared to the placebo. PI and PBI were significantly reduced in both groups. However, no significant difference was found between groups. In conclusion, green tea mouthwash could significantly reduce VSC level in gingivitis subjects after rinsing for 4 weeks.

사방오리나무 추출물의 항우식 및 항구취 효과

사방오리나무의 분획물과 분리화합물인 gallic acid의 항우식 작용과 항구취 활성을 조사하기 위해 구강병원균에 대한 항균활성, 부착능 그리고 산 생성을 조사하였다. 그리고 휘발성 황화합물의 측정은 oral chroma를 이용하여 구취억제 효과를 측정하였다. DCM 분획물은 넓은 항균스펙트럼을 가졌으며, EA 분획물은 Streptococcus mutans와 Porphyromons gingivalis에 대해 상대적으로 높은 항균활성을 가진 것으로 나타났다. 게다가 GA와 DCM 분획물은 각각 S. mutans와 S. salivarius에 대해 산 생성과 부착을 효과적으로 억제하였다. 사방오리나무의 2% MeOH 추출물은 구취유발 화합물인 황화수소, 메틸머캅탄, 황화디메틸을 억제하는 효과가 뛰어났으며(p<0.05), 2% GA 또한 황화수소를 억제시키는 효과가 있음이 확인되었다(p<0.05). 본 연구의 결과, 사방오리나무의 활성 분획물과 GA는 항균효능, 산생성 억제능, 부착 억제능 및 구취 억제효능을 가짐으로써 구강병원균에 대한 천연항균제제로써의 사용 가능성이 충분히 있는 것으로 판단된다. To investigate the antimicrobial and anti-halitosis effects of Alnus firma extracts and gallic acid (GA) isolated from A. firma, we measured their antimicrobial activities against oral pathogens and their inhibitory effects on the cell adhesiveness and acid production of oral pathogens. In addition, the levels of volatile sulfur compounds were determined by using oral chroma. The dichloromethane (DCM) fraction has broad antimicrobial activity, and the ethylacetate (EA) fraction showed a relatively high level of antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromons gingivalis. Especially, the GA and DCM fractions had significant inhibitory effects on the attachment and acid production of S. mutans and Streptococcus salivarius, respectively. The 2% MeOH extract of A. firma showed a significant inhibitory effect on the production of volatile oral compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide, which can cause bad breath and halitosis. Two percent GA also had a significant inhibitory effect on the production of hydrogen sulfide. Our study showed that the active fractions and GA of A. firma could be suitable resources for development as a natural antibiotic agent for the treatment of infectious oral diseases.

Clinical utility of a novel colorimetric chair side test for oral malodour

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of a simple colorimetric chair side test detecting amines in saliva as an adjunct test in the oral malodour diagnosis. Non-stimulated saliva samples were collected from 100 volunteers with different degrees of oral malodour. The amount of amines detected by the test was estimated clinically (colorimetric test), confirmed semi quantitatively in the laboratory (standard addition method) and consequently compared with (i) the organoleptic score (OLS); (ii) the volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) levels (OralChroma(™)) and (iii) the amount of amines detected by means of gas chromatography - mass spectroscopy. The chair side test correlated well (Spearman correlation coefficient: 0.46-0.77), with the OLS, the level of VSCs, and the amines determined by using gas chromatography - mass spectroscopy. The results of the new test for patients with and without oral malodour were significantly different (Mann-Whitney U-test, p < 0.0001). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of this chair side test were similar to those of the VSCs evaluations. These results support the "fit for purpose" of the new chair side test as adjunctive diagnostic tool for oral malodour.

The short-term treatment effects on the microbiota at the dorsum of the tongue in intra-oral halitosis patients—a randomized clinical trial

This study aims to assess the effects of rinsing with zinc- and chlorhexidine-containing mouth rinse with or without adjunct tongue scraping on volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in breath air, and the microbiota at the dorsum of the tongue. A randomized single-masked controlled clinical trial with a cross-over study design over 14 days including 21 subjects was performed. Bacterial samples from the dorsum of the tongue were assayed by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. No halitosis (identified by VSC assessments) at day 14 was identified in 12/21 subjects with active rinse alone, in 10/21 with adjunct use of tongue scraper, in 1/21 for negative control rinse alone, and in 3/21 in the control and tongue scraping sequence. At day 14, significantly lower counts were identified only in the active rinse sequence (p < 0.001) for 15/78 species including, Fusobacterium sp., Porphyromonas gingivalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Tannerella forsythia. A decrease in bacteria from baseline to day 14 was found in successfully treated subjects for 9/74 species including: P. gingivalis, Prevotella melaninogenica, S. aureus, and Treponema denticola. Baseline VSC scores were correlated with several bacterial species. The use of a tongue scraper combined with active rinse did not change the levels of VSC compared to rinsing alone. VSC scores were not associated with bacterial counts in samples taken from the dorsum of the tongue. The active rinse alone containing zinc and chlorhexidine had effects on intra-oral halitosis and reduced bacterial counts of species associated with malodor. Tongue scraping provided no beneficial effects on the microbiota studied. Periodontally healthy subjects with intra-oral halitosis benefit from daily rinsing with zinc- and chlorhexidine-containing mouth rinse.

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.

Tablets containing a cysteine protease, actinidine, reduce oral malodor: a crossover study

Tongue coating (TC) mainly consists of protein mostly from exfoliated epithelial cells. Until now, to reduce TC accumulation, only mechanical measures have been available, and the procedure involves unpleasant side effects, such as gagging reflex or carcinogenesis related to mechanical stimulation. We expected that protease might be effective in reducing the accumulation of TC causing oral malodor. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of long-term use of candy tablets containing protease, actinidine, on both TC accumulation and concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in mouth air. We employed 14 subjects aged 24 to 54 years old for this study, and conducted a double-blind randomized crossover trial. The subjects sucked the tablets containing actinidine three times a day until the sixth day after starting the study. The tablets without actinidine were utilized as a placebo. Measurements of VSC concentration and TC accumulation were carried out before and after chewing tablets on the first day, and also on the seventh day. The levels of VSC and TC significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after tablets were taken on the first day in both the test and placebo groups. There was a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in VSC after seven days of use only in the test group. The results of the study suggest that the tablets containing actinidine had an accumulative effect in reducing VSC in mouth air with long-term use.

Reduction of bacterial volatile sulfur compound production by licoricidin and licorisoflavan A from licorice

Halitosis affects a large proportion of the population and is, in most cases, caused by the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), particularly methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulfide, by specific bacterial species colonizing the oral cavity. In this study, a supercritical extract of Chinese licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), and its major isoflavans, licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, were investigated for their effect on growth, VSC production and protease activity of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Solobacterium moorei, which have been associated with halitosis. The effects of licorice extract, licoricidin, and licorisoflavan A on VSC production in a saliva model were also tested. We first showed that licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, and to a lesser extent the licorice extract, were effective in inhibiting the growth of all three bacterial species, with minimal inhibitory concentrations in the range of 2–80 µg ml−1. The licorice extract and the two isolates licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, were able to dose-dependently reduce VSC production by P. gingivalis, Prev. intermedia, and S. moorei as well as by a human saliva model. Although the extract and isolates did not inhibit the proteolytic activity of bacteria, they blocked the conversion of cysteine into hydrogen sulfide by Prev. intermedia. Lastly, the deodorizing effects of the licorice extract, licoricidin, and licorisoflavan A were demonstrated, as they can neutralize P. gingivalis-derived VSCs. Licorisoflavan A (10 µg ml−1) was found to be the most effective by reducing VSC levels by 50%. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that a licorice supercritical extract and its major isoflavans (licoricidin and licorisoflavan A) represent natural ingredients with a potential for reducing bacterial VSC production and therefore for controlling halitosis.

Effect of chewing gums containing the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri on oral malodour

Objective. To evaluate the effect of chewing gums containing probiotic bacteria on oral malodour. The null hypothesis was that no difference would be displayed compared with placebo gums. Materials and methods. Twenty-five healthy young adults with self-reported malodorous morning breath completed this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over trial. The design included run-in and wash-out periods interspersed by two intervention periods of 14 days each. The subjects were instructed to chew one gum in the morning and one in the evening containing either two strains of probiotic lactobacilli (L. reuteri DSM 17938 and L. reuteri ATCC PTA 5289) or placebo. The outcome measures were (i) organoleptic scores (0–5) by a certified test panel, (ii) concentration of volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) measured with a Halimeter and (iii) concentration of VSC after a cysteine rinse. Registrations were made at baseline and after each intervention period. Differences between the groups were assessed by non-parametric paired statistics and chi-square test. Results. The median organoleptic score was similar (score 2) in both groups at baseline. After 14 days of treatment, the organoleptic scores were significantly lower in the probiotic group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). Assessments of the VSC levels displayed no significant differences between the groups, either before or after rinsing with L-cysteine. No adverse effects were registered. Conclusion. The results demonstrated that probiotic chewing gums may have some beneficial effect on oral malodour assessed by organoleptic scores. The results indicate that the probiotic gum may affect bacteria that produce malodourous compounds other than VSCs.

Environmental and Genetic Contributions to Indicators of Oral Malodor in Twins

This study aimed to: (1) determine concordance rates of self-reported and subjectively determined indicators of oral malodor in twins; (2) determine the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to levels of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in intraoral and exhaled breath. Fifty-one twin pairs participated in the study. Measurements of VSCs were obtained by a halimeter. The presence of tongue coatings was determined and twins filled out a 32-item questionnaire on oral malodor indicators independently of one another. Estimates of heritability (h2) for halimeter measurements were computed by SOLAR. The concordance rates for the presence of tongue coating among identical and fraternal twins were 67% and 11%, respectively. In the 10 most informative items, 70% exhibited higher concordance rates for identical than for fraternal twins. Of particular interest were the differences in concordance rates for dry mouth, sinus infection and unusual sweating. The h2 for intraoral breath was 0.28 +/- 0.17 (NS), whereas the h2 for exhaled breath was 0.50 +/- 0.20 (p = .0207). The concordance rates of tongue coatings and malodor indicators were higher in identical twins than in fraternal twins. Intraoral breath VSC values were primarily attributable to environmental factors, whereas exhaled breath VSC values were partially explained by genetic factors.

Effect of a single brushing with two Zn-containing toothpastes on VSC in morning breath: a 12 h, randomized, double-blind, cross-over clinical study

This randomized, double-blind, 12 h clinical study tested the effect of a single brushing with two Zn-containing toothpastes on volatile sulfur compound (VSC) levels in morning breath. The following toothpastes were each tested by all 28 participants: A—Zn toothpaste, B–-experimental toothpaste (Zn citrate + PVM/MA copolymer) and C–-control toothpaste without Zn. The evening prior to test days participants brushed their teeth for 2 min with 1 g toothpaste. 12 h later and prior to eating or performing oral hygiene, morning breath levels of VSC (H2S, CH3SH) were analysed by gas chromatography. Subjects then rinsed for 30 s with 5 ml cysteine and breath samples were analysed for H2S (H2Scys). Median VSC (area under the curve) values were compared for A, B and C and the effects of A and B on VSC were compared with C. Toothpaste B was more effective than both toothpastes A and C in reducing H2S, CH3SH and H2Scys (p < 0.05). Compared with toothpaste C, toothpastes A and B reduced H2S by 35% and 68%, respectively (p = 0.003), and CH3SH by 12% and 47%, respectively (p = 0.002). Toothpaste B reduced H2Scys by 48% compared with toothpaste C (p = 0.001). It is suggested that the superior effect of the experimental toothpaste was most likely due to a higher Zn concentration combined with longer retention of Zn due to the PVM/MA copolymer.

Comparison of halitosis parameters and sialometry between patients subjected to head and neck radiotherapy and patients with periodontal disease

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate halitosis parameters and sialometry in patients subjected to head and neck radiotherapy compared to patients with periodontal disease, establishing a relationship between oral concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) and tongue coating presence, salivary flow rate and BANATM test. Methods: Thirty-eight patients were examined and divided into 2 groups: group I: patients with chronic generalized periodontal disease previously diagnosed and not treated; group II: patients subjected to head and neck radiotherapy. All volunteers were subjected to halitosis measurements through a sulphide monitor, evaluation of tongue coating weight, stimulated and non-stimulated sialometry and BANATM test. Results: The results were analyzed by analysis of the variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Student’s t-test, showing that both groups presented halitosis. There was also a relationship between tongue coating presence and VSC levels in both groups and the irradiated patients showed lower salivary flow rates. Conclusions: Under the tested conditions, it may be concluded that halitosis can be considered as an adverse effect of radiotherapy, associated with low salivary flow and poor oral health, which seems to be the main contribution to bad breath, since patients with periodontal disease also showed halitosis.

A new portable monitor for measuring odorous compounds in oral, exhaled and nasal air

BackgroundThe B/B Checker®, a new portable device for detecting odorous compounds in oral, exhaled, and nasal air, is now available. As a single unit, this device is capable of detecting several kinds of gases mixed with volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) in addition to other odorous gasses. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the B/B Checker® for detecting the malodor level of oral, exhaled, and nasal air.MethodsA total of 30 healthy, non-smoking volunteers (16 males and 14 females) participated in this study. The malodor levels in oral, exhaled, and nasal air were measured using the B/B Checker® and by organoleptic test (OT) scores. The VSCs in each air were also measured by gas chromatography (GC). Associations among B/B Checker® measurements, OT scores and VSC levels were analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficients. In order to determine the appropriate B/B Checker® level for screening subjects with malodor, sensitivity and specificity were calculated using OT scores as an identifier for diagnosing oral malodor.ResultsIn oral and nasal air, the total VSC levels measured by GC significantly correlated to that measured by the B/B Checker®. Significant correlation was observed between the results of OT scores and the B/B Checker® measurements in oral (r = 0.892, p < 0.001), exhaled (r = 0.748, p < 0.001) and nasal air (r = 0.534, p < 0.001). The correlation between the OT scores and VSC levels was significant only for oral air (r = 0.790, p < 0.001) and nasal air (r = 0.431, p = 0.002); not for exhaled air (r = 0.310, p = 0.096). When the screening level of the B/B Checker® was set to 50.0 for oral air, the sensitivity and specificity were 1.00 and 0.90, respectively. On the other hand, the screening level of the B/B Checker® was set to 60.0 for exhaled air, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.82 and 1.00, respectively.ConclusionThe B/B Checker® is useful for objective evaluation of malodor in oral, exhaled and nasal air and for screening subjects with halitosis.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01139073

Detection of odoriferous subgingival and tongue microbiota in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with oral malodor using polymerase chain reaction

Halitosis has been correlated with the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) produced in the oral cavity by metabolic activity of bacteria colonizing the periodontal pockets and the dorsum of the tongue. It has been assumed that there is a relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study was to assess the malodor using the organoleptic method and tanita device; to quantify odoriferous microorganisms of subgingival plaque and tongue coating, such as P. gingivalis (Pg), T. forsythia (Tf), and F. nucleatum (Fn) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in nondiabetic and diabetic chronic periodontitis patients. Thirty chronic periodontitis patients (with and without diabetes) with 5-7 mm pocket depth, radiographic evidence of bone loss, and presence of oral malodor participated in this study. Subjective assessment of mouth air was done organoleptically and by using a portable sulfide monitor. Tongue coating was also assessed. The scores of plaque index, gingival index, gingival bleeding index, VSC levels, and tongue coating between the nondiabetic and diabetic patients were not significant (P>0.5). In nondiabetic patients, Fn was found to be significantly (P<0.5) more in tongue samples, whereas Pg and Tf have not shown significant values (P>0.5). In diabetic patients, Fn and Tf have shown significant (P<0.5) an increase in subgingival and tongue samples, respectively, whereas Pg has not shown significant difference between subgingival and tongue samples. The results confirm that there is no difference in clinical parameters between nondiabetic and diabetic periodontitis patients, but the odoriferous microbial profiles in tongue samples of diabetic patients were found to be high. However, there is a weak positive correlation between VSC levels, clinical parameters, and odoriferous microbial profiles.