Halitose

: estudo observacional em pacientes da clínica universitária

Abstract

The formation of plaque on the tongue dorsum is a common phenomenon not only in patients with periodontal disease as well as in healthy subjects. This biofilm consists of bacteria, large amounts of desquamated epithelial cells, blood leukocytes and food debris from periodontal pockets. Halitosis is the used term to describe an unpleasant odor of the breath that may or may not be associated to oral or non-oral sources and which is not easily reversible by common oral hygiene habits. It is present in 6-23% of the world population, affecting self-esteem and quality of life of those individuals. Its etiology has been the target of several researches. OBJETIVES: In this observational study was intended to define the main etiological factors of halitosis, evaluate its relationship with periodontal disease as well as address forms of treatment, control and prevention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected 50 patients on the first appointment of dentistry in the Clínica Dentária Universitária, taking into account the inclusion/ exclusion criteria. The data collection was made through clinical intraoral evaluation, performing a sensorial test and application of a simple questionnaire with 37 questions, 5 closed and 32 open, evaluating (among others) medical history, diet and oral hygiene habits. The subsequent statistical analysis was performed using the program SPSS ® Statistics v21. RESULTS: There is a statistically significant relationship between halitosis and some variables, such as age, medication, use of auxiliary methods of hygiene, presence of periodontal disease, gingival bleeding on probing and presence of biofilm in some lingual areas. CONCLUSIONS: For a correct approach to this pathology, it should be decreased the bacterial load and / or removed the etiological factors. Furthermore, a symbiosis between the dentist and doctors from other branches of medicine is essential.

Date of Award	2013
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Filipe Miguel Araújo (Supervisor) & Filipa Alexandra Santos Bexiga (Co-Supervisor)