Prevalence of halitosis among young adults in Dunedin, New Zealand

Objectives To investigate the prevalence of halitosis in young adults. Methods Young adults (n = 372; mean age = 21.0 +/- 2.6 years old, range = 18-30 years) in Dunedin, New Zealand, were recruited into the cross sectional study after providing informed consent. The prevalence of halitosis was determined using both objective measurements (parts per billion [ppb] volatile sulphur compounds [VSCs] in the exhaled air) and subjective measurements (self-reported halitosis questionnaire, tongue coating index, and organoleptic assessment). Results Volatile sulphur compounds measurements indicated that the prevalence of halitosis (values >= 140 ppb) was 31.2%; 25.6% of participants self-reported halitosis. The organoleptic assessment revealed that 14.3% of the participants had a score of >= 2. A positive correlation was found between the VSC measurements and organoleptic assessment (p < 0.05). No significant relationship was found between self-reported halitosis and either organoleptic assessment or VSC measurements. Self-reported dry mouth, smoking, oral hygiene index, DMFT index, and tongue coating score were significantly associated with the organoleptic assessment (p < 0.05). The self-reported dry mouth, mouth breathing and tongue coating score were significantly associated with the VSC scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion Halitosis, as represented by VSC, was found in 31.2% of the participants. VSC scores and organoleptic assessment were positively correlated. There was no significant relationship between self-reported halitosis and either organoleptic assessment or VSC measurements.

Automated summary

This study investigated the prevalence of halitosis in young adults and found that 31.2% of participants had halitosis based on volatile sulphur compounds measurements. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between organoleptic assessment and VSC measurements.