Perception Halitosis of Students in Al Jouf University
Perception Halitosis of Students in Al Jouf University
Perception Halitosis of Students in Al Jouf University
Abstract
Aim: Oral malodour is one of the most common complaints with which patients approach the dentists, thinking it can be
detrimental to their self-image and confidence. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the self-perception of oral malodour
and oral hygiene habits amongst students.
Material and methods: A structured questionnaire consisting of 10 questions was administered to 180 undergraduate students
of the Medical and Dental College. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate the self-perception of halitosis, identify the oral
hygiene aids used, and assess the presence of dental caries, gingival bleeding, and dryness of mouth.
Results: Of the 180 students, 150 students completed the questionnaire. The response rate was 89%, with the male response rate
being 83.6% and 90.2% for the female. Self-perceived halitosis was reported by 42.3% of males and 43.3% of females. The
difference in the reporting of the self-perception of halitosis between females and males was found to be statistically significant
(p<0.05). A significant difference was found for use of mouth wash, presence of carious teeth, bleeding gums, and use of tongue
cleaners between females and males (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate a higher prevalence of halitosis among this population consisting of medical and
dental students. The awareness of halitosis was also higher among this population. Thus, the awareness of halitosis as an
individual entity should be promoted to the general population, and therapeutic measures should be made available to all.
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difference was found to be significant (p<0.05). in reducing oral malodour in the long term.21
The answers to all the questions provided in the The oral hygiene habits were excellent among the study
questionnaire were categorized according to gender and population, with most of the subject population reporting
analysed using the Chi-square test (Table 1). A significant brushing twice daily. This was, however, anticipated, as the
difference was observed for self-perception of halitosis, subject population comprised students. Effective tooth
use of mouth wash, presence of carious teeth, bleeding brushing and flossing can significantly reduce oral
gums, and use of tongue cleaners (p<0.05). malodour, especially in people with poor oral hygiene and
related gingival and periodontal disease.22,24 The usage of
Discussion mouth rinses was two-fold higher among females
Since halitosis is a relatively common problem, with many compared with males. This could imply a more conscious
ramifications and with personal, professional, and social attitude among females than among males.
effects, the data on its prevalence can be of importance. The prevalence of dental caries among the subject
The literature reveals that the prevalence of halitosis is population was higher than that of gingival bleeding or
around 50% in the USA, 27.5% in China, and 22% in dryness of mouth. Dental caries was reported to be higher
France.11-13 This highlights the significance of halitosis as a in males than in females as was gingival bleeding. A similar
widespread global problem. It has been estimated that in study suggested that females have significantly higher
the developed world, 8%-50% of the people perceive oral positive practise towards dental health as compared to
malodour.14 As dental professionals are most likely to males.23 The intra-oral factors that are implicated in
diagnose halitosis, the percentage of individuals getting contributing to halitosis are tongue coating, gingival
professional treatment for halitosis remains minimal. bleeding, and dental calculus.13,24 The extra-oral factors that
The presence of halitosis is often discerned by individuals. are associated with halitosis include gastrointestinal tract
The aetiology could be either intraoral or extraoral causes. disorders, chronic sinusitis, upper respiratory tract
The diagnosis is usually subjective, as there are no standard infections, and lower socioeconomic status.1
criteria that define a patient with halitosis.1 The results of
the present study showed greater self-perception of Conclusion
halitosis among females (p>0.05). This was similar to The results indicate that the prevalence of self-perceived
results obtained in previous studies.10,15,16 Self-perception of malodour among medical and dental students is in the
halitosis is a psycho-physiological issue with multi- similar range as reported by other similar studies.
factorial aetiology closely related to each individual's However, these findings need to be corroborated by
psychopathological profile.17 objective examination to ascertain the prevalence. The role
In younger persons, the presence of oral malodour in the of dental professionals in maintaining a good oral health
absence of periodontal disease has been attributed to should be emphasized in the community.
tongue coating.18 If oral hygiene is already good, or if it
improves and yet the oral malodour persists, the tongue
may be the likely source of the odour. The use of tongue References
cleaners was very minimal, which could be a reason for the 1. Cortelli JR, Barbosa MD, Westphal MA. Halitosis: A review
self-perception of halitosis in the present study population. of associated factors and therapeutic approach. Braz Oral
There is a positive correlation between the oral malodour Res 2008;22:44-54.
and the levels of VSCs on the dorsum surface of the tongue 2. van den Broek AM, Feenstra L, de Baat C. A review of the
current literature on management of halitosis. Oral Dis
and the propensity of micro-organisms colonized on the 2008;14:30-39.
surface of the tongue itself.19,20 A recent systematic review 3. Yaegaki K, Sanada K. Volatile sulfur compounds in mouth
concluded that tongue scraping may have a limited benefit
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