Prevalence and Risk Factors of Halitosis (Oral Malodor) Among Patients Attending A Dental School Clinic in Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors associated with halitosis in a sample of dental patients attending a dental school outpatient clinic. Material and methods: 318 patients were examined for halitosis in Ahram Canadian University (ACU) dental school outpatient clinic during the period of March-June 2019. Two methods were used to reach a diagnosis: a questionnaire and an organoleptic score. Results: 76.1% of the dental patients were diagnosed as having halitosis based on the clinical examination. The mean score of halitosis among the study group was 2.31. The self-awareness of halitosis was 38% of the study group, and 13.2% reported having halitosis in the non-halitosis group. 16.98 % of patients had halitosis and periodontal disease, and 14.15% of the patients have halitosis and smoke. Conclusion: Halitosis in dental patients is a common condition. Therefore, implementation and reinforcement of a halitosis prevention and management protocol in dental clinics are a health and social need.