Oral halitosis and oral hygiene practices among dental students

Abstract EN

Background: Oral halitosis is a very important problem, because it leads to a lot of social and psychological discomfort to a high percentage of the population.

The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of oral hygiene practices, and halitosis among the undergraduate students in the (college of Dentistry, University of Baghdad).

The students were in the (3rd, 4th and 5th stages) and the study was done in a one month period .

Materials and Methods: A self administrated questionnaire was distributed among all the (481) students (263) male, and (218) female undergraduate students at the College of Dentistry.

A questionnaire was designed to assess the self reported perception of: oral breath, awareness of bad breath, timing of bad breath, oral hygiene practices, dryness of mouth, tea drinking habits.

Result: The response rate was 77%.

44% of males and, 32% of females reported the self perception of bad breath odor and halitosis.

The self treatment was sought by 12% of males and 22% of females.

6% of males and 4% of females experienced halitosis interference with their daily work.

78% of males and 62% of females experienced halitosis after waking up from sleep in the morning.

The brushing was prevalent among 81% of males and 99% of females.

Bleeding gingival was recorded in 26% of males and 14% of females.

Dry mouth was common among 14% of males and 17% of females.

Tea drinking was common among 44% of males and 37% of females, while tongue coating was equally common among both males and females approximately (21%) and (20%).

Conclusion: This study indicates that female students had better oral hygiene practices, much less reported oral halitosis as compared to male students.

There was no difference in the tongue coating between male and female students.

The students should be motivated to be a health symbol, and keeping their mouth free from halitosis.

Key words: halitosis, oral hygiene practices, brushing frequency, tongue coating.

(J Bagh Coll Dentistry 2007; 19(1)72-76)