Volatile sulfur compounds in asthmatic children and adolescents: A cross-sectional study in breath and saliva

Abstract

Background: Halitosis in children implies psychosocial repercussions. Risk factors associated with this condition are unclear, and detection methods are inaccurate. Aim: To quantify the levels of sulfur-like compounds in children with asthma and healthy children from a novel validated assay, and to establish the risk factors related to halitosis. Design: One hundred and twenty-eight individuals (63 healthy and 65 asthmatic) from 3 to 17 years of age were tested using a passive colorimetric sensor to measure the levels of sulfur-like compounds in breath and saliva. Information was collected on oral hygiene habits, gingival and dental health, breathing type, and dental malocclusion. Results: The mean values of hydrogen sulfide were 4.0 ± 6.8 and 19.7 ± 12.2 ppbv (parts per billion in volume) in the control and asthmatic groups, respectively (p