Does concern about halitosis influence individual′s oral hygiene practices?

Abstract

Objective:The objective of this study was to assess whether the concern about halitosis influence oral health attitude and practices among young literate adults in Nigeria.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional survey of 400 randomly selected temporary camp resident adults in Anambra state, South Eastern Nigeria was conducted using a modified version of the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioral Inventory questionnaire.Results:Out of the 400 questionnaires distributed, only 294 were filled and returned giving an overall response rate of 73.5%. Half (50.0%) of the participants in this study expressed concern about halitosis. The participants that expressed concern about halitosis were mostly in the 25- to 27-year-old age group, females, known smoker, regular dental floss, and mouth wash users, had incorrect tooth brushing knowledge, brushed teeth more frequently and more forcefully, had no previous dental treatment, prefer symptomatic dental visit, experienced gingival bleeding, expressed worry about the color of their gingiva and teeth but were satisfied with the dental appearance.Conclusion:Data from this study showed that concerns about halitosis-triggered behavioral reaction in oral self-care practices namely tooth brushing frequency, tooth brushing force, mouth wash, and dental floss use. Also revealed were poorer oral health and lower preventive dental visit practices among participants concerned about halitosis. There is need for improved public knowledge and awareness about halitosis by the dentist in Nigeria.

Relationship of Halitosis Concern with Oral Health Behaviors and Knowledge Among Myanmar People

“…In this study, the proportion of respondents who concerned halitosis was so high (91.8%). A study on halitosis concern on Nigeria reported that more than half of the participants expressed concern about halitosis [15]. And also, results from the current study is higher than the study among the high schools' male students in Tokyo with 55.4%, 40% in Brazil high school students, 66.3% in among Indian dental students and 78% in Jordanian population [2,[17][18][19].…”

“…A self-completed questionnaire collected socio-demographic information (such as age, gender, and education level), the experience of health education, self-perceived oral health status, knowledge of oral health (7 questions) and an individual's halitosis concern "Do you worry about having oral bad breath". Questions on oral health knowledge and behaviors were collected based on Azodo C et al study [15]. An oral health knowledge score was calculated by simply adding the number of correctly answered questions ranging from 0 to 7.…”

“…A study have been conducted in Nigeria also reported that people who concern about halitosis had better oral selfcare practices such as tooth brushing frequency, mouthwash, and dental floss use etc. [15]. Therefore, it is expected that people concern on their oral health status would be an important part of an individual's health behaviors and seeking professional healthcare.…”

Periodontitis and health‐related quality of life in hemodialysis patients

“…Poor oral health is related to decreased functional ability and physical fitness and decreased dietary intakes and variety (Hamalainen, Rantanen, Keskinen, & Meurman, 2004; Iwasaki et al, 2014; Iwasaki et al, 2015). Periodontitis also may cause halitosis, which can negatively impact on daily life activities such as socializing and communication with other people (Azodo, Onyeagba, & Odai, 2011). In addition, periodontitis and tooth loss causes embarrassment, negatively affecting appearance and self‐esteem (Petersen & Yamamoto, 2005; Abrahamsson, Wennstrom, & Hallberg, 2008), and can restrict social interactions.…”

Self-perception regarding dental aesthetics, knowledge and attitude of traumatic dental injury and halitosis among people of Aurabani, Sunsari district of Eastern Nepal

“…7 Halitosis is a very common problem in dental patients; in fact most of adult subjects have socially unacceptable breath when they wake up in the morning. 8 A study performed in Japan involving 2672 individuals indicated that about 6-23% of the subjects had oral malodor as measured by Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSC); higher than 75 parts per billion (ppb) in the expired air, at some period during the day. If these Japanese results reflect the oral malodor in other populations, then the oral malodor would represent a major oral health concern of the public.…”