Prevalence of halitosis among young adults in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of halitosis in young adults.

Methods: Young adults (n = 372; mean age = 21.0 ± 2.6 years old, range = 18-30 years) in Dunedin, New Zealand, were recruited into the cross sectional study after providing informed consent. The prevalence of halitosis was determined using both objective measurements (parts per billion [ppb] volatile sulphur compounds [VSCs] in the exhaled air) and subjective measurements (self-reported halitosis questionnaire, tongue coating index, and organoleptic assessment).

Results: Volatile sulphur compounds measurements indicated that the prevalence of halitosis (values ≥140 ppb) was 31.2%; 25.6% of participants self-reported halitosis. The organoleptic assessment revealed that 14.3% of the participants had a score of ≥2. A positive correlation was found between the VSC measurements and organoleptic assessment (p < 0.05). No significant relationship was found between self-reported halitosis and either organoleptic assessment or VSC measurements. Self-reported dry mouth, smoking, oral hygiene index, DMFT index, and tongue coating score were significantly associated with the organoleptic assessment (p < 0.05). The self-reported dry mouth, mouth breathing and tongue coating score were significantly associated with the VSC scores (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Halitosis, as represented by VSC, was found in 31.2% of the participants. VSC scores and organoleptic assessment were positively correlated. There was no significant relationship between self-reported halitosis and either organoleptic assessment or VSC measurements.