The Prevalence of Self-reported Halitosis and Oral Hygiene Practices Among Libyan Students and Office Workers

Abstract

AimsThe aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of self-reported halitosis, oral hygiene practices and related diseases among Libyan students and employees.MethodsSix hundred self-administered structured questionnaires were used to investigate self-perception of halitosis and oral hygiene practices among a group of Libyan volunteers. Chi square test was used to detect significant differences between frequencies and to test correlation between self-perception of halitosis and measures of oral hygiene.ResultsForty three percent of the subjects were males and 57% were females. Forty four percent of the males and 54% of the females revealed self-perception malodour. Malodour was reported with the highest frequency (68%) during wake up time. Malodour was perceived by 31.7% of the females and 23.4% of the males during the hand-on-mouth test (p=0.04). Significantly more females (89.9%) than males (75.7%) practiced brushing (p<0.001). Fifty one percent of the males and 49.6% of females had dental caries. Smoking was significantly (p<0.001) more prevalent among males (17%) than among females (1%). Brushing was practiced by 85% of non-smokers and 68% of smokers (p=0.004). About 71% of the subjects who practiced brushing reported malodour during wake up time in comparison to subjects who did not practice brushing (p=0.041).ConclusionsThe prevalence of self-perceived malodour among the Libyan volunteers in this study is within the range of other studies. There is a great demand to reduce the incidence of dental caries and periodontal diseases.

<p>Halitosis And Its Associated Factors Among Kermanshah High School Students (2015)</p>

“…In the present study, the prevalence of halitosis was higher in boys (organoleptic: 32.6% male and 25.2% female, self-perception: 32.9% male and 19% female). However, in most previous studies, halitosis was higher in girls than in boys 7,9,10. Considering the higher frequency of teeth brushing and the use of dental floss among girls, it seems that the difference is due to the higher level of health in girls compared to boys.…”

“…Research has shown the association between oral dryness and increased halitosis 6. Extra-oral halitosis includes upper respiratory tract problems, sinusitis, polyps, digestive disorders and some metabolic diseases such as diabetes 7. The respiratory tract infection, nasal and sinus secretions that enter oropharynx, oral respiration, tonsil inflammation, foreign body in the nose, bronchiectasis, other respiratory infections, and lung cancer can be the causes of malodor 8.…”

“…Also, bad breath is directly related to the consumption of some foods such as garlic and onions and is common in smokers. Also, reduced salivation could be the side effect of drugs such as antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, antihypertensives, decongestants and opiates, which cause halitosis 7…”

Gender difference in oral health perception and practices among Medical House Officers

“…Although widespread publications on gender differences in general heath exist in the literature but those restricted to oral health are scanty [3][4][5][6][7][8]. The studies available in the literature on gender differences in relation to oral health were conducted in the Asia (Japan) [9][10][11], Europe (Sweden) [12,13], and Middle East (Jordan) [1], Kuwait [14] and Palestine [2] and North Africa (Libya) [15]. The findings from theses studies [1,2,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] consistently revealed that females are more informed about tooth brushing, have more interest in oral health and perceive their own oral health to be good to a higher degree than male.…”

“…The studies available in the literature on gender differences in relation to oral health were conducted in the Asia (Japan) [9][10][11], Europe (Sweden) [12,13], and Middle East (Jordan) [1], Kuwait [14] and Palestine [2] and North Africa (Libya) [15]. The findings from theses studies [1,2,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] consistently revealed that females are more informed about tooth brushing, have more interest in oral health and perceive their own oral health to be good to a higher degree than male. They also exhibit more positive dental health attitude and better oral health behaviour (tooth brushing frequency; using dental floss; regular dental visits) than their male counterparts.…”