P4 Parameters related to oral malodor in a population of 71 Israelis

Bad breath is a common problem which is associated with a variety of factors. The contribution of dental factors related to periodontal health with bad breath remains controversial. Further, because of the problems inherent in odor judge scoring of oral malodor, other adjunct techniques have been proposed. We have recently developed one such colorimetric technique (the ‘OK2KISS’ test), based on the level of beta-galactosidase in saliva. Aims  The aim of the present study were (i) to determine the factors associated with oral malodour in a group of 71 Israeli subjects, and (ii) to compare existing testing methodologies with a new technique, recently developed in this laboratory (the ‘OK2KISS’ test). Methods  The study population consisted of a convenience sample 71 Israeli subjects (mean age 36.2 ± 38.4; ages ranging from 15 to 65) who were either undergoing a standard medical (n = 14), checkup, were about to commence orthodontic treatment (n = 12 ), or were siblings, or parents of orthodontic patients at Tel Aviv University (n = 55). Parameters measured included whole mouth odor judge scoring, halimeter, OK2KISS, gingival index, plaque index and probing depth. Results  Odor judge scores were significantly associated with halimeter (r = 0.55; P < 0.001), as well as the OK2Kiss test (r = 0.52; P < 0.001). However, neither gingival index, plaque index, nor probing depth was significantly associated with odor judge scores or halimeter scores. Logistic regression analysis showed that both halimeter and OK2Kiss scores factored significantly (P = 0.005 and 0.018, respectively, odds ratios 14.9 and 2.7, respectively) in predicting the severity of oral malodour. Conclusion  The study suggests that (i) in this population, periodontal health and oral malodour were not related; and (ii) that the OK2Kiss, together with halimeter scores, can serve to predict the severity of oral malodour levels.