Abstract :
Introduction: Halitosis is a very common problem and is experienced by majority of
the population, but few persons perceive this problem whereas they actually do not
suffer from it. Halitosis not only becomes a disease but also poses a social and
psychological problem.
Objective: To ascertain the prevalence of halitosis, document various measures to
control halitosis and to validate an instrument used to measure the levels of
halitosis against self-perceived levels of halitosis among school children.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a
senior secondary school of Panchkula (Haryana). Data was collected using selfstructured questionnaires that consisted of items on knowledge and perceptions on
halitosis. An instrument was used to measure and compare levels of halitosis.
Results: Majority of the subjects experienced self-perceived halitosis, among which
61% rated their problem of halitosis as weak, and 9% as intense. 34.3% associated
their problem of halitosis with dental caries. 38.7% thought that halitosis was due to
their problem of bleeding gums, whereas 18.9% associated their problem with food
lodgment. Majority of subjects, i.e., 33% practiced flossing to eliminate bad breath,
followed by 24% subjects who went in for scaling and curettage, followed by 20%
who used tongue scrapers, followed by 15% who went in for restorative treatment
for dental caries, followed by 8% who used interdental brushes.
Conclusion: The present study shows that majority of people have haitophobia, i.e.,
pseudo halitosis. Also, improvement is needed in schools regarding dental
awareness.
Keyword :
CHX (Chlorhexidine), Dental caries, Gingivitis, Halimeter, Halitophobia, Halitosis, Periodontitis, TANITA breath analyser, VSC (Volatile Sulfur Compounds).