Evaluation of oral and nasal halitosis parameters in patients with repaired cleft lip and/or palate.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between halitosis parameters in patients with and without cleft lip and/or palate.

STUDY

DESIGN

Forty-two subjects were examined. They were divided into group I, postgraduate students of Bauru Dental School (FOB); and group II, individuals with repaired cleft lip and/or palate. The concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) was assessed with a portable sulfide monitor and the values were correlated to the salivary flow rate and weight of tongue coating.

RESULTS

There was a relationship between the presence of tongue coating and VSC levels, as well as between salivary flow rate and VSC levels in group II. The same group also revealed a significant correlation between weight of tongue coating and salivary flow rate. There were no significant differences between groups as regards the Halimeter oral measurement.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with repaired cleft lip and/or palate can have the same VSC levels as subjects without clefts.