The effect of periodontal therapy on intra-oral halitosis: a case series

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy on intra-oral halitosis 3months after therapy. Material and methods: Sixty-eight adults with intra-oral halitosis were included in a case series. Intra-oral halitosis was evaluated at baseline, and at 3months after treatment using the organoleptic scores (OLS), Halimeter (R), and a gas chromatograph. Results: Significant reductions for OLS (p<0.01), total sum of volatile sulphur compounds (T-VSC) (p<0.01) and methyl mercaptan (MM) (p<0.05) values were found after treatment. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) levels were not significantly reduced. The numbers of probing pockets 4mm, 5mm and 6mm were significantly reduced as a result of therapy (p<0.001). Bleeding on probing (BOP) and plaque indices were also significantly reduced (p<0.001). For the 34 individuals with successful periodontal treatment (BOP<20% and a 50% reduction of total pocket depth) reductions in OLS (p<0.01) and T-VSC scores (p<0.01) were found. Eleven individuals were considered effectively treated for intra-oral halitosis presenting with a T-VSC value <160ppb, a H2S value <112ppb and a MM value <26ppb. Conclusion: Non-surgical periodontal therapy resulted in reduction of OLS, MM and T-VSC values 3months after therapy. Few individuals were considered as effectively treated for intra-oral halitosis.