Halitosis: an interdisciplinary approach.

PURPOSE

To summarize the experience in our halitosis clinic, emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-nine patients with a primary complaint of halitosis were evaluated. Their health was established by a questionnaire, by clinical examination, and by laboratory analysis. Halitosis was evaluated organoleptically by a dentist and an otolaryngologist (odds ratio [OR] = 5.7). The volatile sulfide levels were measured with a portable sulfide monitor (Halimeter; RH-17 series, Interscan, Chatsworth, CA).

RESULTS

The patients were found to suffer from otolaryngological disorders (26%), dental problems (23%), oral discomfort (18%), and gastrointestinal pathology (10%), or several of the above. In 31% of the patients, however, no clinical involvement was detected. The salivary flow rates in the patients were similar to those in healthy controls, whereas their oral Candida carrier rate was low (28%). Fifty-seven percent of the patients had objective halitosis by organoleptic evaluation and 61% by Halimeter measurement.

CONCLUSION

A high percentage of the patients who came to the clinic with a primary complaint of halitosis did not have a detectable problem.