Effect of oral hygiene instruction and scaling on oral malodour in a population of Turkish children with gingival inflammation.

AIM: Oral malodour affects a large proportion of the population, and may cause a significant social or psychological handicap to those suffering from it. The condition has a positive correlation with the accumulation of bacterial plaque in the oral cavity. The aim of the present study was twofold: first, to determine whether oral malodour and periodontal disease parameters are associated with one another in 150 Turkish subjects (mean age +/- SD = 9.1 +/- 2.7 years; age range = 7-12 years); and secondly, to investigate the impact of oral hygiene instruction and scaling on oral malodour.

DESIGN

The parameters measured included whole-mouth odour judge scoring, halimeter measurements, saliva pH scores, gingival index, plaque index, and probing depth before and after the treatment procedures.

RESULTS

Odour judge scores were significantly associated with halimeter findings. However, gingival index, plaque index and probing depth were significantly associated with odour judge scores and halimeter scores. The statistical analysis revealed that periodontal treatments caused a significant reduction (P < 0.001) in volatile sulphur compound formation.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that, in the population studied, periodontal health and oral malodour are associated with one another. Oral malodour levels were significantly reduced after treating gingival inflammation. Thus, in order to avoid oral malodour in children, oral care should not be neglected.