Prevalence of oral malodour and its relationship with oral parameters in Indian children aged 7-15 years.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of oral malodour in Indian children and also to assess the relationship of oral malodour with oral hygiene, gingival health, dental caries, tongue coating, mouth breathing and frequency of tooth brushing.

METHOD: A total number of 900 school children (7-15 years) were included in the study. Children were assessed for the oral malodour, oral hygiene, gingival health, dental caries, tongue coating, mouth breathing and frequency of tooth brushing.

RESULTS

The prevalence of oral malodour in Davangere school children was found to be 40.9%. Oral malodour was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with age, mouth breathing, tongue coating, oral hygiene status, gingival status and tooth brushing frequency. Oral malodour was not significantly correlated with gender and caries status.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of malodour in the population studied was 40.9% and oral health status and oral malodour were associated with one another. The prevalence of oral malodour was considerably high and should not be neglected in children.