Factors Associated With Self-Reported Halitosis in Nigerian Dental Patients

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which included 135 dental patients enrolled at the Oral Diagnosis/Periodontology Clinics of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Self-administered questionnaires were used to assess self-reported halitosis (oral malodour) in the subjects. Association between self-reported halitosis and socio-demography (age, gender, education, marital status, ethnicity and religion) and intraoral findings (Gingivitis, periodontitis, tongue coating, and number of mobile teeth) were determined by Pearson’s Chi-square test.

Results:  The prevalence of self-reported halitosis was 14.8% and was significantly associated with age of 35 years and above (P=0.006), male gender (P=0.005), and the mean number of mobile teeth (P=0.041). Subjects with gingivitis were two times more likely to have halitosis than those without gingivitis. (OR=2.19; 95% CI; 0.60-7.96), while subjects with tongue coating were also 2 times more likely to have halitosis than those without tongue coating (OR=2.02 (95% CI; 0.38-10.79).

About 50% perceived the oral malodour by themselves, 25% by family and friends and 20% from presumed actions of people around them. Majority (70%) perceived the halitosis from their mouths, 30% from their mouth and nose. Most (75%) of the subjects had perceived the oral malodour for more than 4 weeks, of which 26.7% sought professional treatment.

Conclusions: Older age of 35 years and above, male gender, and tooth mobility were significantly associated with self-reported halitosis. Health-seeking behaviour of the patients for the treatment of the halitosis was poor.