The effect of periodontal therapy on intra-oral halitosis: a case series

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy on intra-oral halitosis 3 months after therapy.

Sixty-eight adults with intra-oral halitosis were included in a case series. Intra-oral halitosis was evaluated at baseline, and at 3 months after treatment using the organoleptic scores (OLS), Halimeter^® , and a gas chromatograph.

Significant reductions for OLS (p < 0.01), total sum of volatile sulphur compounds (T-VSC) (p < 0.01) and methyl mercaptan (MM) (p < 0.05) values were found after treatment. Hydrogen sulphide (H₂ S) levels were not significantly reduced. The numbers of probing pockets 4 mm, 5 mm and 6 mm were significantly reduced as a result of therapy (p < 0.001). Bleeding on probing (BOP) and plaque indices were also significantly reduced (p < 0.001). For the 34 individuals with successful periodontal treatment (BOP<20% and a ≥50% reduction of total pocket depth) reductions in OLS (p < 0.01) and T-VSC scores (p < 0.01) were found. Eleven individuals were considered effectively treated for intra-oral halitosis presenting with a T-VSC value <160 ppb, a H₂ S value <112 ppb and a MM value <26 ppb.

Non-surgical periodontal therapy resulted in reduction of OLS, MM and T-VSC values 3 months after therapy. Few individuals were considered as effectively treated for intra-oral halitosis.