Adolescents: a cross-sectional study comparison between the absence and presence of halitosis and quality of life

Introduction: Adolescence is a development period between childhood and adulthood. the halitosis can interfere significantly in the full development of this young person, showing how necessary it is to carry out studies on the subject, especially regarding the impact of this disease on this population's quality of life. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare absence versus presence halitosis with quality of life of adolescents. Methods: This is a quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study composed of a randomized sample conducted in public schools in Parelheiros district, São Paulo, Brazil. The sample consisted of 238 adolescents aged 15-19 years. The evaluation was performed through a questionnaire with questions about health, OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile) quality of life questionnaire, through a simple clinical examination with rating VPI (Visible Plaque Index) and DMFT (Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth) and also with the BreathAlertTM halitosis sulfide monitor values ≥2 were considered positive for halitosis. Results: The results showed a prevalence of 3.4% for halitosis in adolescents and a tendency to impact on their quality of life. No relationship was found between halitosis, economic level, VPI and DMFT in the population evaluated. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of halitosis has been low, it was possible to observe that adolescents with bad mouth odor tended to have worse quality of life in relation to their oral health.