The association between halitosis and oral‐health‐related quality of life: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Aim: To investigate whether halitosis is associated with impaired oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).Materials and Methods: This is a systematic review of the literature. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed via Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE up to and including June 2021. Observational studies that assessed halitosis in association with OHRQoL were included. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) was estimated by meta-analysis.Results: Thirteen studies were included in the review; however, the meta-analysis included only 10 studies, all cross-sectional, comprising 2692 individuals. The overall meta-analysis showed an association between halitosis and impaired OHRQoL (SMD 0.51; 95% confidence interval 0.27-0.75). Subgroup analyses, however, indicated that this association remained only among adults. Neither the OHRQoL instrument nor the halitosis assessment method, or the cultural background, influenced the pooled estimates. Meta-regression analyses revealed that the OHRQoL instrument, the halitosis assessment method, and the sample composition did not explain the between-study heterogeneity. Methodological quality appeared to explain 20% of the overall heterogeneity, as studies with high risk of bias overestimated the magnitude of the association. Conclusion:Our findings suggest that halitosis is associated with impaired OHRQoL.

Emotional and Social Impact of Halitosis on Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review

“…Regardless of its type, halitosis has a great impact on a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to navigate through social interactions, as it is a condition that is highly noticed by other individuals and close contacts, and less by the person that experiences it [ 2 , 10 ]. Following the social difficulties that arise from having this condition, people may experience a series of mental health problems, such as depressive or anxious symptoms, reduced self-esteem, and social isolation [ 6 , 11 , 12 ].…”

“…Although there is a growing number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses that focus on the prevalence of halitosis, its medical factors, and potential treatment [ 1 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], only a few of them target the psychosocial aspects of this condition [ 10 , 12 ], although many studies state the major effect that it has on a person’s quality of life [ 6 , 9 , 11 ]. When it comes to younger populations, there are no systematic reviews that describe the psychosocial impact that halitosis has on this target group, although this segment of age can be very vulnerable when confronted with social interactions in their private life or in school settings [ 2 ].…”

Prevalence and associated factors of self‐reported halitosis among institutionalized adolescents: Cross‐sectional study

“…Halitosis is defined as an unpleasant odour that is arising from the oral cavity and may have several causes 1 . It is a highly prevalent condition with several social and psychological implications, which may impact the quality of life of affected individuals 2 . Studies have demonstrated that this condition affects approximately 30% of the populations worldwide (depending on the sample and type of measurement), influencing interpersonal relationships and causing embarrassment and feelings of rejection 3 .…”

Self‐perceived halitosis among young adults undergoing orthodontic treatment

“…Overall, the occurrence of this problem is high and has a substantial impact on the quality of life of the affected individuals. In addition, patients suffering from halitosis may display avoidance behaviours due to social insecurities and fear of rejection 3‐5 . The aetiology of halitosis is complex involving several oral and medical conditions.…”

“…In addition, patients suffering from halitosis may display avoidance behaviours due to social insecurities and fear of rejection. [3][4][5] The aetiology of halitosis is complex involving several oral and medical conditions. However, in the majority of cases, the oral cavity is responsible for the mouth malodour.…”