Prevalence and relevant factors of halitosis in Chinese subjects: a clinical research

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of halitosis among Chinese subjects and to analyze the associated factors that influence halitosis. METHODS: This study included subjects complaining of halitosis who came to the clinic between 2014 and 2016. Questionnaires were used to obtain general information from patients. An organoleptic test was conducted, and volatile sulfur compounds measurement was obtained to assess halitosis. In conjunction with these tests, the oral health status of each patient was recorded. RESULTS: In total, there were 205 samples entered into data analysis, and the patients’ age ranged from 18 to 71 years (mean ± SD: 32.44 ± 10.31). Of these patients, 65.9% had an organoleptic score ≥ 2, and 41% of patients had a volatile sulfur compound level ≥ 110 ppb. The findings indicated that the prevalence of halitosis was higher in males than in females (55.6% vs. 44.4%, respectively, P = 0.018). Several factors including the duration of bad breath, rhinitis, tongue coating and periodontal conditions were found to be associated with the organoleptic score. Tongue coating was also associated with the volatile sulfur compound level. CONCLUSIONS: Among these subjects, 65.9% had halitosis. Oral health status was strongly associated with halitosis, and tongue coating was the most important factor. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12903-019-0734-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.