ABSTRACT
Background: Halitosis is unpleasant breath, regardless of its sources. Oral malodor can actually be an indication of more serious health concerns. Some studies have estimated the prevalence of halitosis to be between 22% and 50%, others between 6% and 23%. Poor oral hygiene, periodontal diseases, nasal problems, and various systemic illnesses can be various reasons behind halitosis. Psychiatric problems and halitosis contributes to each other’s pathology significantly. Method: 250 patients were enrolled for study. Sociodemographic profile was noted for all. Complete dental check up was performed to rule out dental factors for halitosis. Organoleptic scale was used to detect the intensity of halitosis. SCL-80 was used to find out psychological component of halitosis. Data was statistically analyzed. Results: Males significantly outnumbered females (p<0.0001) in being post graduates. Significantly more (P=0.0024) females were unemployed and household workers, 40 % were professional and 32% were students. Significantly higher number (p<0.0001) of subjects with halitosis had associated medical problems. Significantly higher (p=0.0101) difference was observed overall and among Males and females regarding dental problems. 34.47% had periodontitis, gingivitis (39.20%), missing tooth (22.80%), calculus (18.80%), tooth sensitivity (49.31%), caries tooth (53.29%), abscess (15.20%) and history of trauma (34.06%). Significantly higher results in somatization (p=0.0003; chi square=19.099), depression (p=0.0019; chi square=14.956), IP sensitivity (p<0.0001; chi square=27.506), phobia (p=0.018; chi square=10.063), OCD (p=0.0312; chi square=8.862) and anger hostility (p=0.0016; chi square=15.308) subscales of SCL 80. Conclusion: Present study concludes significant correlation between dental and psychological factors in halitosis. Halitosis itself produces psychiatric symptoms which could affect the social and personal interaction. Further research into these aspects of halitosis is strongly recommended in developing countries like india.