Emotional and Social Impact of Halitosis on Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Halitosis is a condition characterized by unpleasant breath smell that is starting to receive serious scientific attention, considering it reflects on people’s social and personal life. While most studies focus on the prevalence of halitosis, its medical etiology, and the psychological impact on adults, there is a lack of evidence regarding the social impact of halitosis on the younger population. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to observe the social and emotional impact that halitosis has on adolescents and young adults. Materials and Methods: The review followed the PRISMA protocol, and four electronic databases (Scopus, Scholar, Web of Science, and ProQuest) were searched. From a total of 593 studies retrieved, only 6 were included in the study after assessing the eligibility criteria. Results: The main results showed that the levels of self-reported halitosis ranged from 23.1% to 77.5%, with an average of 44.7%, indicating a significant heterogeneity among the studies reporting this issue. Adolescents and young adults who experienced bad breath were feeling more anxious and depressed according to the non-standardized questionnaires and the standardized questionnaires (OHIP-14 and SCL-9-R). The respondents were isolated from social interactions and consequently had lower self-esteem and impaired quality of life. Conclusions: The conclusions drawn indicate the need for action on a medical level, as well as on a psychological level, in order to improve people’s oral health and help them navigate through the difficulties of maintaining social interactions as they live with halitosis.

Relationship Between Halitosis Level and Oral Hygiene in High School Student

“…Dental hygiene will certainly affect a person's quality of life in daily activities, especially in terms of communication, if a person has or suffers from bad breath, also known as halitosis (Briceag, 2023), Halitosis can be interpreted as an unpleasant odor caused by various factors and also psychologically from the sufferer, where the compounds most often found are VSCs (Volatile Sulfur Compunds). This will make the person you are talking to feel disturbed and again the sufferer will feel embarrassed when reprimanded, which will later disturb the person's psychology.…”

Causes and Management of Halitosis: A Narrative Review

“…However, this negative effect was not related to the severity of halitosis [ 23 ]. According to a recent systematic review, adolescents and young adults who experienced halitosis felt more anxious and depressed [ 24 ].…”

The Potential Teeth Bleaching and Halitosis Prevention Effects of Pediococcus inopinatus THK-30, a Kimchi-Derived Lactic Acid Bacterium: In Vitro Study

“…Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, stems from volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) produced by bacteria within the oral cavity [ 9 ]. Its prevalence among the global adult population, estimated at 20–50%, underscores its significance as a social and psychological concern [ 10 ]. The causes of halitosis are multifaceted, encompassing gastrointestinal disorders and oral bacterial overgrowth [ 11 ], with oral bacteria, particularly those residing within dental plaque, identified as primary culprits [ 12 ].…”