Halitosis: A study of prevalence and risk factors in a Family Health Unit

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of halitosis in a general practice population, to test the association of halitosis with gender, age, oral hygiene habits, smoking, alcohol use, antidepressant medication use, and self-perception of halitosis, and to evaluate patient preferences for a provider for treatment of halitosis Study Type: Cross-sectional study. Location: St. Félix da Marinha Family Health Unit, ACES Gaia / Espinho, Portugal Population: Patients over 3 years of age, registered in the St. Félix da Marinha Family Health Unit. Methods: A questionnaire was given to a convenience sample of 99 patients who visited the Family Health Unit on November 5, 2008. Questionnaires were self-administered and personal interviews were conducted. Measurement of breath odour was performed using gas chromatography. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The response rate was 86.8%. The prevalence of halitosis was 49.5%. There was a statistically significant association between halitosis and male gender, age over 60 years, use of anti-depressants, and irregular oral hygiene habits including flos- sing and tongue cleaning. There was no statistically significant association between halitosis and smoking, alcohol use, frequent teeth brushing and self-perception of halitosis. When asked which health professional users would consult first to treat halito- sis, 36.1% of patients said they would choose a family doctor. Conclusions: The prevalence of halitosis was higher than expected. A new association with anti-depressant therapy was found. Ir- regular oral hygiene habits such as flossing and tongue cleaning may require a more active intervention. Additional multi-cen- tric studies are needed to test the associations of socioeconomic status, use of medications, xerostomia and halitosis and the impact of halitosis on quality of life.