Evaluation of the treatment of halitosis with photodynamic therapy in older patients with complete denture: Protocol for a randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Halitosis is the term used to define an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth. However, no studies have evaluated the causes and treatment of halitosis in the population of older adults with denture. METHODS: A randomized, controlled trial is proposed. The patients will be divided into 2 groups: G1: older adults who wear complete dentures and will be treated with tongue scraper (n = 20); G2 older adults who wear complete dentures and will be treated with PDT (n = 20). If the halitosis persists, the participants will be submitted to hygiene procedures for the mucosa and dentures. The evaluation of halitosis will be made before and after treatments, with OralChroma(TM). If the halitosis is solved, the participants will return after 1 week for an additional evaluation. Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) will be administered by a calibrated examiner on the day the patient history is taken (baseline) and 1 week after treatment for halitosis. DISCUSSION: This protocol will determine the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy regarding the reduction of halitosis in older adults with complete denture. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This protocol was registered in ClinicalTrial.gov, under number NCT03960983. It was first posted and last updated in May 23, 2019. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03960983.