Evaluation of self-perceived halitosis and effective conditions in periodontology clinic applicants: A cross-sectional study

Halitosis is defined as an unpleasant odor emanating from the oral cavity and has social and economic effects. Halitosis is a common complaint in individuals with periodontal disease, but limited data are available. The aim of this study is to evaluate self-reported halitosis and related conditions. It is a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire consisting of 10 questions on the self-perception of halitosis in patients who applied to the periodontology clinic. Five hundred nine individuals were included in the study. The relationship between individual-reported oral malodor and sociodemographic, medical history and oral hygiene variables was examined. Periodontal clinical parameters (plaque index, gingival index, and bleeding on probing) recorded in the patient forms of the individuals included in the study were evaluated. The prevalence of halitosis reported by the patients participating in the study is 34.2%. Factors that are significantly associated with self-perceived halitosis, low frequency of tooth brushing, increased degree of periodontal disease, regular drug use of patients, and low education level. Halitosis remains one of the main issues facing people in today's world. As a result, dentists should play a bigger part in educating and alerting patients about oral malodor. There should be more public education regarding the causes of foul breath and potential treatments.