Assessment of halitosis-related factors in Turkish population, a cross-sectional study

Background: Halitosis is a prevalent issue globally, causing economic burdens and diminishing quality of life, and often remains confidential due to social stigma. This survey aimed to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and early signs of the condition among the Turkish population and dentists while also exploring hygiene habits, knowledge levels, and associated psychological aspects. Methods: A total of 1,181 participants (aged 19–78 [median 22], 681 female, 655 married, 601 dentists, 886 complained of halitosis) completed a self-administered, structured questionnaire with 91 questions on halitosis, along with the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories. Results were compared with existing literature findings. Results: Seventy-five percent of the participants and 21.5% of dentists experienced halitosis at level 2 on a 5-point scale. Moreover, 40.3% of them experienced a bad taste. Halitosis was correlated with various factors, including tongue brushing (P=0.019), constipation (P=0.044), and lactose malabsorption (P=0.033). Gingival bleeding emerged as a significant symptom (P=0.003), correlating with soft brush use (P<0.05). In addition, 40.49% of dentists reported feeling insufficiently trained in halitosis, with 83.19% expressing inadequacy in examination or treatment. Furthermore, 29.4% of 286 individuals asserted unrealistic claims, likely indicative of subjective halitosis. Halitosis can cause anxiety or depression, with males being more affected by anxiety; both dentists (P=0.0184) and non-dentists (P=0.0092) who experienced halitosis reported higher anxiety levels compared to those who did not. Conclusion: This survey offers insights into the prevalence of halitosis and its associated factors, highlighting the need for comprehensive management that includes psychological support and professional education on diagnosis and treatment.