Effect of Chlorhexidine and Probiotics on Halitosis

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of chemical method of oral hygiene practice, chlorhexidine (CHX) disinfection, and the followed consumption of probiotics on oral malodor in children. The effects of chemical and mechanical oral hygiene practice methods on the intensity of oral malodor were also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Organoleptic test (OLT) scores of 2 or more of 196 children were randomly allocated to four groups: 1: Conventional oral hygiene practices (COH) including flossing and tooth brushing, 2: COH + tongue scraping (TS), 3: COH + TS + CHX, and 4: COH + TS + CHX + probiotics. OLT was performed at 1-week and 3-month follow-ups. RESULTS: A stable and significant number of individuals showed crucial and average levels of improvement in Group 4 OLT scores. The improvement of Group 3 OLT scores was also remarkable but not steady over the follow-ups. Neither remarkable nor steady improvements in the OLT scores was detected in Groups 1 and 2 through follow-ups. CONCLUSION: Oral disinfection followed by probiotic therapy with CHX may decrease the severity of oral malodor over a long period of time.