Emotional impact of halitosis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the emotional impact of halitosis on 18-year-old men using a self-reported questionnaire.

METHOD: A total of 2,224 participants underwent dental and medical examinations in the army medical services in the city of Pelotas, southern Brazil, in July 2008.

RESULTS

In this sample, 12% of respondents expressed concern about their oral malodor, which had a strong emotional impact on their quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The individuals reporting halitosis showed a higher degree of concern with their oral malodor. Low educational level and low income were associated with psychological impact and halitosis in this population.