Effect of oral prophylaxis on halitosis-associated parameters in chronic periodontitis

Method: In sum 30 subjects were included in this longitudinal cohort study (each n=15 patients with generalized chronic periodontitis and periodontal healthy controls). VSC-values  (Halimeter) and organoleptic scores (grade 0 = no odor until 5 = extreme odor measured from distances of 10, 30 and 100 cm) as well as the tongue coating index were evaluated before and 14 days after of professional teeth cleaning with ultrasonic instruments and tongue cleaning with a tongue cleaner. The VSC were also measured immediately after treatment. Data were statistical analyzed with ANOVA and paired t-test. 

Result: Supra- and subgingival plaque and calculus removal with combined tongue cleaning was able to reduce the VSC-values in both groups  (periodontitis group from baseline 76.5 ± 29.7 ppb to 48.4 ± 27.2 ppb immediately after therapy and in the control group from 77.7 ± 23.1 ppb to 45.7 ± 24.3 ppb, respectively; p < 0.05 before vs. after debridement; no significant differences between both groups). The VSC value was in the periodontitis group two weeks after periodontal debridement again similar to the baseline value (76.9 ± 34.4 ppb), but remains in the control group constant (45.8 ± 16.4 ppb).  The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Organoleptic scores (10 and 30 cm) were significant different (p < 0.05) between both groups before and 14 days after treatment. 

Conclusion:  Oral prophylaxis, including professional teeth and tongue cleaning, may result in significant decrease of VSC-values. However, in periodontal disease a more complex treatment seems to be necessary.