Evaluation of oral halitosis in patients after radiotherapy oral cancer

Objectives: The aim of this study was to verify the halitosis parameters in patients who had received head and neck radiotherapy. The degree of halitosis was determined through the presence of tongue coating, classified according to its dry weight; the salivary flow rate, the BANA® test and Halimeter® oral measurements. Methods: A total of 48 subjects were examined, which were divided into three groups. Group 1 was consisted of patients with good oral health and no complaints of bad breath; Group 2 consisted of patients with bad oral health condition and Group 3 comprised individuals who had received head and neck radiotherapy. The concentration of Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC) was assessed by means of a portable sulfide monitor (Halimeter®) and the values were correlated to the resting and stimulated salivary flow rate and to the BANA® test with material collected from the tongue coating and its dry weight. Halitosis was quantified before and after the removal of the tongue coating and the data was analyzed by means of the ANOVA test. The correlation among salivary flow rate, weight of the tongue coating and HalimeterTM oral measurements were evaluated by the Pearson test. Results: The results showed a statistically significant difference between group 1 and 3, and between groups 1 and 2. A relationship between the presence of tongue coating and the VSC levels was also demonstrated. Conclusion: In concerning to the salivary flow rate, there was a statistically significant reduction between group 1 and 3, and group 2 and 3. In the accordance of this study, halitosis can be considered a side effect of radiotherapy, tied with the hyposalivation and deficient oral health.