The Negative Effects of Volatile Sulphur Compounds

Abstract

Oral malodor has been studied extensively in humans but not necessarily to the same degree in our veterinary patients where malodor constitutes a significant problem. Breath malodor may originate from the mouth, or from an extra oral source, originating from other organ systems such as gastrointestinal, respiratory, or even systemic disease. Oral malodor is a result of microbial metabolism of exogenous and endogenous proteinaceous substrates leading to the production of compounds such as indole, skatole, tyramine, cadaverine, puterescine, mercaptans, and sulphides. Volatile sulphur compounds have been shown to be the main cause of oral malodor. Although most clients perceive oral malodor to be primarily a cosmetic problem, there is an increasing volume of evidence in human dental literature demonstrating that volatile sulphur compounds produced by bacteria, even at low concentrations, are toxic to tissues and play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. This article reviews the current available literature in human dentistry looking at these negative effects. No veterinary studies have been conducted looking at the negative effects of volatile sulphur compounds specifically, but as this article highlights, we should be aware of the potential negative effects of volatile sulphur compounds and consider this an area of future research.

Role of Oral Microbiota in Cancer Development

“…H 2 S occurs in the highest concentration in the air inside the mouth, while in the gingival pockets the dominant compound is CH 3 SH [82,83]. Even at low concentrations, VSCs are toxic to tissues and play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and in the development of chronic inflammation [84]. H 2 S is a known genotoxic agent and may lead to genomic instability or cumulative mutations [85].…”

The Role of Oral Microbiota in Intra-Oral Halitosis

“…They contain thiols (-SH groups) that interact with other proteins and support the negative interaction of bacterial antigens and enzymes. The result of this effect is chronic inflammation, periodontal gingivitis, and periodontitis [66]. In human gingival fibroblasts, H 2 S activates the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis [67].…”

Effects of Edible Treats Containing Ascophyllum nodosum on the Oral Health of Dogs: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Single-Center Study

“…In the present study, VSC concentration was selected as a study criterion as VSCs are potential etiopathogenic factors in periodontal diseases ( 40 ). The results indicated a significant difference in VSC concentration when the product was used for 60 and 90 days; however, during the first 30 days after professional dental cleaning, there were no differences between study groups.…”