Risk factors for halitosis

Objective: to evaluate the possible risk factors for increased scores on the organoleptic test. Material and methods: a hundred and twenty individuals were selected, from both genders (range 18 to 66 years old), with the following characteristics: 60 individuals with halitosis with or without associated periodontal diseases (the cases) and 60 individuals without halitosis with or without associated periodontal diseases (the controls). Smokers, individuals with systemic diseases, with pseudo-halitosis, edentulous, and individuals under xerogenic medication and antibiotic were excluded. The sample was submitted to the organoleptic test, conducted by 3 examiners. Complete agreement among the examiners was required for halitosis diagnosis. Periodontal diseases assessment and the presence of tongue coating were recorded during clinical examination, by only one examiner. Univariate logistic regressions were performed to select the independent variables that would be included in a multivariate model, considering halitosis as the dependent variable. The selected variables were included in a stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The statistical analysis showed that tongue coating was a significant predictor of halitosis (OR= 4.46; 95% CI 2.069 - 9.639; p=0.0001). No other variable was included in the model. Conclusion: Tongue coating is a significant predictor of halitosis and could be used as a clinical guideline for halitosis diagnosis.