Non surgical management of periodontitis related halitosis among adults

Introduction: Management of periodontitis-related oral malodor may include simple measures such as scaling and root planning (SRP) and oral hygiene instructions. Aim: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the effect of non-surgical management of periodontitis on controlling halitosis (oral malodor) measured by Halimeter. Methodology: Clinical data were recorded from 60 participants who were attended the out-patient periodontics clinic at the College of Dentistry of King Khalid University, Abha city, Saudi Arabia. The participants were grouped as periodontitis (case), non-surgically treated periodontitis and healthy (control). Volatile sulfur compounds were measured in parts per billion (ppb) as a caliber for halitosis for each group using a Halimeter ® . Data were statistically analyzed utilizing the Chi-square distribution test (P < 0.05). Results: In the average, case group showed strong halitosis 230.00 ± 54.29 ppb that was reduced to weak halitosis 124.25 ± 26.43 ppb following non-surgical (SRP) management of chronic periodontitis, with the deeper pockets, increased halitosis was measured as mean halitosis of periodontitis and treated cases 188.90 ± 14.22 ppb and 114.70 ± 20.75 ppb, 240.25 ± 58.08 ppb and 128.25 ± 39.31 ppb and 294.33 ± 19.64 ppb and 137.50 ± 23.36 ppb, respectively, in 5-6, 6.1-7 and 7.1-8 mm groups respectively. Conclusion: Based on study results, halitosis is directly related to periodontitis and periodontal pocket depth among the adults, which can be successfully controlled by SRP.