Self-perception, knowledge, and awareness of halitosis among female university students

Abstract

BackgroundHalitosis or oral malodor is defined as an unpleasant breath odor. It can become a serious problem affecting individuals’ social communication and self-confidence. Furthermore, it is a discomforting issue for the people around the person affected, because they consider it embarrassing to inform the person of the problem.AimThis study was designed to measure self-perception, knowledge, and awareness of halitosis among female university students in Saudi Arabia.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional survey was implemented with 392 volunteer participants who responded to a questionnaire on their self-perception, knowledge, and awareness of halitosis.ResultsThe response rate was 89.1% (392/440). Self-perception of halitosis was low (21.4%), whereas a larger percentage (78.1%) indicated noticing people with bad breath. Most participants (80.4%) thought that the gastrointestinal tract is the primary source of halitosis. Seventy-seven percent preferred using personal methods such as mouthwash and chewing gum to treat oral malodor. According to 82.1% of respondents, a dentist is the most appropriate professional to treat halitosis.ConclusionThe investigation revealed low self-perception and limited knowledge regarding halitosis. Therefore, the role of dentists in informing and educating their patients concerning oral malodor should be enhanced. Public education about the causes of and possible ways of managing bad breath should be increased.

Self‐reported halitosis in a sample of Brazilians: Prevalence, associated risk predictors and accuracy estimates with clinical diagnosis

“…Some studies evaluated specific population groups and also demonstrated diverse prevalence estimates from around 7%–50% (Al‐Ansari et al, ; Ashwath, Vijayalakshmi, & Malini, ; Bin Mubayrik et al, ; Bornstein, Kislig, et al, ; Bornstein, Stocker, et al, ; Kayombo & Mumghamba, ; Lopes et al, ; Milanesi et al, ). It is important to emphasize that studies have used different self‐reported measures and this may have influenced these prevalence rates.…”

A Current Approach to Halitosis and Oral Malodor- A Mini Review

“…Bin Mubayrik et al . [ 30 ] measured self-perception, knowledge, and awareness of halitosis among 392 female university students by using a questionnaire and they were found that the participants not to have adequate knowledge and care about halitosis. For this reason, the researchers recommended increasing the role of dentists in informing and educating patients about oral malodor.…”

Photodynamic therapy with Bixa orellana extract and LED for the reduction of halitosis: study protocol for a randomized, microbiological and clinical trial

“…Halitosis is an unpleasant breath odour that can interfere with the professional life, social life and quality of life of people who suffer from it [ 1 , 2 ]. The prevalence of this condition may greatly vary, depending on the population.…”

“…Studies show that moderate halitosis affects one third of individuals [ 3 ]. Bad breath can have both extraoral and intraoral causes, such as the use of some types of medication, dry mouth, smoking, systemic conditions and inefficient oral hygiene [ 1 , 4 ]. Particularly in young patients, the presence of tongue coating seems to be the main cause of halitosis [ 5 ].…”