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

Abstract

Aims:To evaluate the prevalence of self-reported halitosis and its predictors, and to determine the accuracy estimates of self-reported measures with clinical evaluation of halitosis. Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study comprised 5,420 individuals (teaching staff, administrative personnel and ongoing students from Federal University of Minas Gerais), who answered a structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic, medical and dental data, and self-reported halitosis measures.A subsample (n = 159) underwent halitosis assessment through the organoleptic method. Predictors for self-reported halitosis were determined through univariate and multivariate analyses. Accuracy estimates of self-reported measures were evaluated in this subsample.Results: Prevalence of self-reported halitosis varied from approximately 4%-35%, depending on the self-reported measure. Self-reported halitosis was mainly associated with socio-economic variables (age, gender, educational level), parameters of oral health (gingival bleeding, gingival infections, tongue coating, general oral health evaluation) and impacts on daily activities (family/social environment and intimate relations). Specificity values for self-reported halitosis measures were determined to be high for clinical (organoleptic score ≥2) and strong (organoleptic score ≥4) halitosis. Combinations of self-reported measures retrieved useful accuracy estimates for strong halitosis. Conclusion:Prevalence rates of self-reported halitosis may be considered moderate.Accuracy diagnostic estimates were determined to be useful, with good prediction for non-diseased individuals. K E Y W O R D Sepidemiology, halitosis, prevalence, risk factors, self-report, sensitivity and specificity

Knowledge and Management of Halitosis in France and Lebanon: A Questionnaire-Based Study

“…This observation is in accordance with other studies reporting anamnesis as the main diagnostic tool used by dentists or hygienists [8]. The organoleptic method is considered the gold standard; however, it should be performed by a trained professional in order to be effective [23]. As self-reported halitosis measures can improve screening strategies, the systematic use of self-administered questionnaires may be helpful, even for untrained dentists [23].…”

“…The organoleptic method is considered the gold standard; however, it should be performed by a trained professional in order to be effective [23]. As self-reported halitosis measures can improve screening strategies, the systematic use of self-administered questionnaires may be helpful, even for untrained dentists [23]. The use of such tools may be restricted due to lack of training and also because VSC measurement instruments are not available in most private practice offices.…”

Oral hygiene status, interdental cleaning and perception of gingival bleeding among a group of pregnant women in Nigeria

“…This is not surprising as halitosis has always been associated with gingival bleeding in many studies. [46][47][48][49][50] Usually, untreated gingival inflammation will progress to periodontitis with the characteristic pocket formation with or without gingival recession. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] A few (2.6%) of our participants had chronic periodontitis expressed as gingival recession measuring between 3-and 4-mm.…”

Self‐perceived halitosis among young adults undergoing orthodontic treatment

“…In a large-scale study conducted in Brazil, the specificity for self-reported halitosis was high for clinical and strong halitosis. 42 Another study by Pham concluded that self-estimation of halitosis corresponds well with the organoleptic scores, with almost half of the participants correctly scored their mouth odour with the examiners. 43 In the oral health field, self-reported questionnaires are a frequently used tool in epidemiological studies.…”

“…On the other hand, other studies found that both the organoleptic scores and the self‐perceived halitosis are well correlated. In a large‐scale study conducted in Brazil, the specificity for self‐reported halitosis was high for clinical and strong halitosis 42 . Another study by Pham concluded that self‐estimation of halitosis corresponds well with the organoleptic scores, with almost half of the participants correctly scored their mouth odour with the examiners 43 .…”