Accuracy of a portable breath meter test for the detection of halitosis in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the accuracy of the Breath-Alert™ portable breath meter (BA) for the detection of halitosis in children and adolescents, considering the organoleptic test (OT) as the gold standard in this assessment. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 children (aged 6-12 years). OT was performed by three independent examiners on a single occasion, obtaining three scores of 0-5 points on the Rosenberg's organoleptic scale. The median of the three evaluations for each child was used for analysis. BA was used according to the manufacturer's instructions, with breath odor scored from 0-5 points. Scores ≥2 on both tests were considered indicative of halitosis. RESULTS: A total of 26 (17.3%) and 23 (15.3%) children were detected with halitosis on the OT and BA tests, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the BA scores for the detection of halitosis were 80.76% and 98.38%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values for BA were 91.3% and 96.06%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In the present study involving children, who require fast, practical examinations, BA proved to be an auxiliary tool to OT for the detection of halitosis in the practice of pediatric dentistry, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity.

Determination of sulfur compounds in biological desulfurization system by high performance liquid chromatography / 生物工程学报

Biological desulfurization is a process in which sulfur compounds are removed from gas and oil using microorganisms. It is a simple process that has mild operating conditions, high desulfurization efficiency, low energy consumption and less environmental pollution. However, there is still a lack of simple and efficient analytical methods for quantitatively analyzing the sulfur compounds in the biological desulfurization process. In order to solve this problem, the analytical method for the simultaneous determination of sulfite, thiosulfate and sulfide in biological desulfurization solutions by pre-column fluorescence derivation using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed. The standard curves of sulfur species in this analytical method had good linear relationships with correlation coefficients of 0.999 5, 0.999 7, and 0.999 7 for sulfite, thiosulfate and sulfide, respectively. The detection limits of these sulfur compounds were 0.000 6, 0.000 7 and 0.001 1 μmol/L; the range of recovery rates were 98.17 to 101.9%, 100.9 to 102.6%, and 101.1 to 104.2%; which had good repeatability and stability. The analytical method was simple, efficient and accurate, and could be used to simultaneously determine the sulfur compounds in different biological desulfurization systems.

Percepção sensorial do off-odor em carnes bovinas irradiadas em embalagens á vácuo contendo carvão ativado / Off-odor perception in irradiated beef vacuum packaged with charcoal

Objetivou-se avaliar a utilização de carvão ativo na redução de compostos voláteis responsáveis pelo off-odor de carnes bovinas irradiadas. Para tal, contrafilés bovinos, embalados a vácuo, com e sem carvão ativo, e irradiados (1, 2 e 3 kGy), foram analisados quanto a formação de compostos de enxofre e quanto a percepção sensorial de off-odor. O único composto de enxofre identificado nas amostras foi o dimetil sulfeto (DMS), sendo encontrado em menor concentração nas amostras irradiadas com carvão ativo na embalagem. Independentemente da utilização do carvão, os painelistas perceberam o off-odor das carnes irradiadas em qualquer dose quando comparado à carne não-irradiada. Quando foi comparado as carnes irradiadas com carvão em relação àquelas irradiadas sem carvão, os painelistas foram capazes de identificar o off-odor apenas nas amostras irradiadas com 1 kGy. Conclui-se que o carvão ativo reduziu a concentração de DMS na embalagem de carnes irradiadas.

Estudo longitudinal da halitose por meio da cromatografia gasosa / Longitudinal study of halitosis through gas chromatography

Objetivos: correlacionar os exames organolépticos (método subjetivo) e a cromatografia gasosa (método objetivo) para diagnóstico conclusivo da halitose e avaliar o comportamento dos compostos sulfurados voláteis (CSVs) durante o manuseio clínico desta patologia. Metodologia: estudo longitudinal com 19 pacientes submetidos ao diagnóstico de halitose, com exames organolépticos (EOt1) e cromatografia gasosa (ECGt1) realizados durante a consulta inicial, com todos os pacientes oriundos do município de Ijuí, Rio Grande do Sul. Todos os 38 exames complementares foram confrontados entre si, por meio do teste estatístico Qui-Quadrado de independência. Para acompanhamento clínico da efetividade do tratamento da halitose e, consequentemente, análise do comportamento dos CSVs, outros quatro exames de cromatografia gasosa (ECGt2, ECGt3, ECGt4 e ECGt5) foram realizados para cada paciente, e todos (95) comparados entre si, pelo teste de Wilcoxon. Resultados: a correlação entre EOt1 e ECGt1 obteve concordância em 78,9% dos casos, indicando forte associação (p = 0,002) entre ambos. Ao avaliar a monitorização dos compostos sulfurados H2S, CH3SH e (CH3)2S, todos envolvidos em alguma fase da gênese da halitose, houve significativa redução de todos os compostos. Conclusões: os exames de cromatografia gasosa (objetivo) e organoléptico (subjetivo) são equivalentes para diagnóstico inicial da halitose, pois apresentaram correlação estatística significante. Em relação à monitorização do tratamento da halitose, a cromatografia gasosa se mostrou eficiente, apresentando altos índices de redução de todos os CSVs. (AU)

Objectives: To correlate organoleptic evaluations (subjective method) and gas chromatography (objective method) for the conclusive diagnosis of halitosis and to examine the behavior of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) during the clinical management of this pathology. Methodology: Longitudinal study with 19 patients diagnosed with halitosis through organoleptic evaluations (EOt1) and gas chromatography (ECGt1), both applied during the initial appointment. All patients were from the city of Ijuí, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. All 38 complementary analyses were compared using the chi-square test of independence. Regarding the clinical follow-up on the effectiveness of halitosis treatment, and consequently the analysis of VSC behavior, four other gas chromatography tests (ECGt2, ECGt3, ECGt4, and ECGt5) were conducted with each patient, and all (95) were compared using the Wilcoxon test. Results: The correlation between EOt1 and ECGt1 showed concordance in 78.9% of cases, indicating a strong association (p=0.002). The evaluation of the monitoring of sulfate compounds H2S, CH3SH, and (CH3) 2S, which are all involved in some phase of the halitosis genesis, showed a significant reduction of all compounds. Conclusions: The gas and chromatography and organoleptic tests are equivalent for the initial diagnosis of halitosis because they presented significant statistical correlation. Regarding the monitoring of halitosis treatment, gas chromatography was efficient, presenting high reduction rates of all VSC. (AU)

Assessment of the accuracy of portable monitors for halitosis evaluation in subjects without malodor complaint. Are they reliable for clinical practice?

Abstract Halitosis is defined as a foul odor emanated from the oral cavity, with great impact in quality of life and social restraints. Recently, the use of Breath Alert™ in research increased significantly. Halimeter™, another portable device, is often used in clinical practice. Nevertheless, not many studies have verified the accuracy and compared the results of both devices simultaneously. Objective: To verify the accuracy of Breath Alert™ and Halimeter™ in patients without chief complaint of halitosis, using the organoleptic test (OT) as "gold standard." The second aim was to verify whether their concomitant use could enhance the diagnostic accuracy of halitosis. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was performed. The quality of expired air of 34 subjects without chief complaint of halitosis was assessed. Two experienced examiners carried out the OT. Afterward, a third blinded examiner performed Halimeter™ (HT) and Breath Alert™ (BA) tests. Results: The OT identified halitosis in 21 subjects (62%). The area under the ROC curve (95% confidence interval) was 0.67 (0.48-0.85) and 0.54 (0.34-0.75) for HT and BA, respectively. The accuracy for HT and BA was 59% and 47%, respectively. The combined usage of HT and BA provided 11 positive results, being 9 subjects (43%) out of the total of 21 positive cases. Conclusions: Halimeter™ and Breath Alert™ were not able to diagnose halitosis in non-complainer subjects at the same level as the organoleptic examination, since their accuracy were low. Our results suggest that such portable devices are not reliable tools to assess halitosis and may neglect or misdiagnose a considerable number of patients in clinical practice.

In vitro effects of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil on growth and production of volatile sulphur compounds by oral bacteria

ABSTRACT Objective Halitosis can be caused by microorganisms that produce volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs), which colonize the surface of the tongue and subgingival sites. Studies have reported that the use of natural products can reduce the bacterial load and, consequently, the development of halitosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia on the growth and volatile sulphur compound (VSC) production of oral bacteria compared with chlorhexidine. Material and Methods The effects of these substances were evaluated by the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) in planktonic cultures of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Porphyromonas endodontalis. In addition, gas chromatography analyses were performed to measure the concentration of VSCs from bacterial cultures and to characterize M. alternifolia oil components. Results The MIC and MBC values were as follows: M. alternifolia - P. gingivalis (MIC and MBC=0.007%), P. endodontalis (MIC and MBC=0.007%=0.5%); chlorhexidine - P. gingivalis and P. endodontalis (MIC and MBC=1.5 mg/mL). M. alternifolia significantly reduced the growth and production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) by P. gingivalis (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet) and the H2S and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) levels of P. endodontalis (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet). Chlorhexidine reduced the growth of both microorganisms without altering the production of VSC in P. endodontalis. For P. gingivalis, the production of H2S and CH3SH decreased (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet). Conclusion M. alternifolia can reduce bacterial growth and VSCs production and could be used as an alternative to chlorhexidine.

Emissão de amônia de veículo automotor leve e sua importância para a Saúde Ambiental / Ammonia emission from light duty vehicle and its importance for the environmental health

Introdução - A amônia (NH3) é um poluente atmosférico cuja emissão é em parte provocada por atividades antrópicas. A geração de energia através da queima de combustíveis é uma dessas atividades, dentro da qual, o setor de transporte e principalmente os veículos automotores rodoviários são uma fonte considerável das emissões de poluentes. Além de afetar diretamente a saúde humana, a amônia participa de reações na atmosfera que geram como poluente secundário, material particulado fino. Objetivo - Verificar, em veículo com motor de ignição por centelha (ciclo Otto), os valores da emissão de amônia, utilizando os combustíveis gasool 22 (gasolina contendo 22 por cento em volume de etanol anidro), etanol hidratado carburante (EHC) e gás natural veicular (GNV), com e sem a presença de elemento catalítico (catalisador). Métodos - O veículo foi ensaiado em dinamômetro de chassis, seguindo ciclo de condução e amostragem dos poluentes conforme Norma ABNT NBR 6601, para medição da emissão de escapamento, pela Norma ABNT NBR 7024, para medição de autonomia; e seguindo os ciclos de condução congestionamento (NYCC) e agressivo (US-06), adotados pela Agência de proteção ambiental dos EUA (USEPA). Além dos métodos de análise dos gases prescritos nessas Normas, foi utilizado o método FTIR (Fourier Transform InfraRed) para medição de NH3 e de N2O. Resultados - As emissões de amônia encontradas foram: média de 1,06 ± 0,03 mg/km, 1,34 ± 0,42 mg/km e 1,22 ± 0,59 mg/km antes do catalisador; e de 4,16 ± 0,65 mg/km, 3,80 ± 1,60 mg/km e 3,88 ± 0,06 mg/km nas medições após o catalisador, respectivamente para os combustíveis GNV, EHC e gasool 22. Os valores médios de emissão de amônia obtidos nos ensaios com a utilização de gasool 22 com teores de enxofre de 50 ppm e 350 ppm foram respectivamente de 3,26 ± 0,51 mg/km e 3,88 ± 0,06 mg/km. Os valores médios de emissão de amônia para os ciclos FTP-75, NYCC e US-06, foram respectivamente: 4,16 ± 0,65 mg/km, 17,30 ± 3,72 mg/km e 24,91 ± 2,71 mg/km para o combustível GNV; 3,80 ± 1,60 mg/km, 11,46 ± 1,04 mg/km e 5,47 ± 0,44 mg/km para o combustível EHC; e 3,26 ± 0,51 mg/km, 9,51 ± 1,32 mg/km e 15,82 ± 2,29 mg/km para o combustível gasool 22. Conclusão - De forma geral a emissão média de amônia medida antes do catalisador foi menor do que a medição efetuada após o catalisador para todos os combustíveis. Não foi detectada diferença significativa entre os valores de emissão de amônia feitos com dois teores diferentes de concentração de enxofre no gasool 22. Em linhas gerais a emissão de amônia mostrou-se dependente da forma de condução do veículo, apresentando valores superiores de emissão em relação ao ciclo de condução urbana (FTP-75), quando o veículo foi ensaiado seguindo os ciclos de condução NYCC e US- 06. Em princípio a emissão veicular de amônia pode ser importante na formação de material particulado fino em ambiente urbano, no qual é provável que as fontes tradicionais de emissão de amônia, como as atividades agrícolas, não sejam significativas.

Introduction - Ammonia (NH3) is an air pollutant whose emission is partly caused by human activities. Energy generation by burning fuels is one of those activities. In this area, the transportation sector has in on-road motor vehicles the major source of pollutant emissions. In addition to directly affect the human health, ammonia participates in atmospheric reactions that generate, as secondary pollutant, fine particulate matter. Objective - Verify in a vehicle with spark-ignition engine (Otto cycle), the values of ammonia emissions using the fuels gasohol 22, hydrous ethanol fuel (EHC) and compressed natural gas (CNG), with and without the presence of catalytic element (catalyst). Methods - The vehicle was tested on chassis dynamometer, following driving cycle and sampling of pollutants prescribed by ABNT NBR 6601 standard, for measuring exhaust emissions, and by ABNT NBR 7024, for measuring autonomy; and following the congestion (NYCC) and aggressive (US-06) driving cycles, adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency of USA (USEPA). In addition to the methods of gas analysis prescribed in these standards, the FTIR (Fourier Transform InfraRed) method was used for the measurement of NH3 and N2O. Results - Ammonia emissions were: average 1.06 ± 0.03 mg/km, 1.34 ± 0.42 mg/km and 1.22 ± 0.59 mg/km before the catalyst; and 4.16 ± 0.65 mg/km, 3.80 ± 1.60 mg/km and 3.88 ± 0.06 mg/km in measurements after the catalyst, respectively for the CNG, gasohol 22 and EHC fuels. Average values of ammonia emissions from tests with the use of gasohol 22 with sulfur content of 50 ppm and 350 ppm were respectively 3.26 ± 0.51 mg/km and 3.88 ± 0.06 mg/km. The average values of ammonia emissions for the FTP-75, NYCC and US-06 cycles, respectively, were: 4.16 ± 0.65 mg/km, 17.30 ± 3.72 mg/km and 24.91 ± 2.71 mg/km for the CNG fuel; 3.80 ± 1.60 mg/km, 11.46 ± 1.04 mg/km and 5.47 ± 0.44 mg/km for EHC fuel; and 3.26 ± 0.51 mg/km, 9.51 ± 1.32 mg/km and 15.82 ± 2.29 mg/km for the gasohol 22 fuel. Conclusion - In general, the average ammonia emissions measured before the catalyst was lower than the measurements made after the catalyst, for all fuels. There was no significant difference between the emission of ammonia made with two different levels of sulfur concentration in gasohol 22. Broadly the ammonia emission was dependent on the manner of driving of the vehicle, with higher emission values, compared to the urban driving cycle (FTP-75), when the vehicle was tested following the driving cycles NYCC and US-06. In principle vehicular emission of ammonia may be important in the formation of fine particulate matter in an urban environment in which it is likely that traditional sources of ammonia emissions, such as agricultural activities, are not significant.

Relación entre los niveles de compuestos volátiles sulfurados con los niveles de RANKL y OPG en pacientes con periodontitis crónica moderada o severa: estudio transversal / Relationship between the levels of volatile sulfur compounds with the levels of RANKL and OPG in patients with moderate or severe periodontitis: A cross sectional study

Antecedentes: El efecto de los Compuestos Volátiles Sulfurados (CVS) sobre los tejidos periodontales, específicamente a nivel del eje RANKL/OPG, no ha sido dilucidado y en la actualidad existe escasa literatura al respecto publicada. Objetivo: Evaluar si los CVS medidos en la cavidad oral de pacientes con periodontitis crónica moderada a severa se relacionan con la expresión de RANKL y OPG a nivel de fluido gingival crevicular (FGC). Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal con 71 pacientes derivados de la Unidad de Diagnóstico de la Clínica Odontológica Docente Asistencial de la Universidad de los Andes. Posterior a la realización de un examen periodontal completo se tomaron muestra de los niveles de CVS de la boca de los pacientes mediante un monitor de sulfuros y muestras de FGC para evaluar los niveles de RANKL y OPG mediante test de ELISA. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados mediante test de correlación de Spearman. Resultados: Al evaluar la correlación de los niveles de CVS con los niveles de RANKL, OPG y la razón RANKL/OPG, se observó un R de 0.098 con un p value = 0.41; -0.084 con un p value= 0.48 y 0.067 con un p value = 0.57 respectivamente. Conclusiones: El presente estudio no pudo demostrar si existe una relación entre los niveles de CVS con la expresión de RANKL y OPG en el FGC de pacientes con periodontitis crónica.

Background: The effect of the Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC) on the periodontal tissues, specifically at the RANKL/OPG level has not been elucidate and there is little literature published on this subject. Aim: To explore if the VSC levels measured in the oral cavity of patients with moderate or severe chronic periodontitis are correlated with the expression of RANKL and OPG at the gingival fluid level (GF). Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 71 patients referred by the Universidad de los Andes’s dentistry diagnosis department. After undergoing full-mouth periodontal exam, levels of CVS were recorded using a sulfur monitor and then GF was extracted to assess RANKL and OPG levels with ELISA. Data was analyzed with Spearman correlation test. Results: The correlation (R) between the VSC and the GF levels was 0.098 with a p value = 0.41; -0.084 with a p value = 0.48 y 0.067 with a p value = 0.57 respectively. Conclusions: This study could not demonstrate if there is a relation between the VSC levels and the expression of RANKL and OPG in the GF in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Using a portable sulfide monitor as a motivational tool: A clinical study.

Aims and Objectives: Bad breath has a significant impact on daily life of those who suffer from it. Oral malodor may rank only behind dental caries and periodontal disease as the cause of patient's visit to dentist. An aim of this study was to use a portable sulfide monitor as a motivational tool for encouraging the patients towards the better oral hygiene by correlating the plaque scores with sulfide monitor scores, and comparing the sulfide monitor scores before and after complete prophylaxis and 3 months after patient motivation. Materials and Methods : 30 patients with chronic periodontitis, having chief complaint of oral malodor participated in this study. At first visit, the plaque scores (P1) and sulfide monitor scores before (BCR1) and after complete oral prophylaxis (BCR2) were taken. Then the patients were motivated towards the better oral hygiene. After 3 months, plaque scores (P2) and sulfide monitor scores (BCR3) were recorded again. Statistical Analysis: It was done using SPSS (student package software for statistical analysis). Paired sample test was performed. Results: Statistically significant reduction in sulfide monitor scores was reported after the complete oral prophylaxis and 3 months after patient motivation. Plaque scores were significantly reduced after a period of 3 months. Plaque scores and breathchecker scores were positively correlated. Conclusion : An intensity of the oral malodor was positively correlated with the plaque scores. The portable sulfide monitor was efficacious in motivating the patients towards the better oral hygiene.

Detection of odoriferous subgingival and tongue microbiota in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with oral malodor using polymerase chain reaction.

Background: Halitosis has been correlated with the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) produced in the oral cavity by metabolic activity of bacteria colonizing the periodontal pockets and the dorsum of the tongue. It has been assumed that there is a relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the malodor using the organoleptic method and tanita device; to quantify odoriferous microorganisms of subgingival plaque and tongue coating, such as P. gingivalis (Pg), T. forsythia (Tf), and F. nucleatum (Fn) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in nondiabetic and diabetic chronic periodontitis patients. Patients and Methods: Thirty chronic periodontitis patients (with and without diabetes) with 5-7 mm pocket depth, radiographic evidence of bone loss, and presence of oral malodor participated in this study. Subjective assessment of mouth air was done organoleptically and by using a portable sulfide monitor. Tongue coating was also assessed. Results: The scores of plaque index, gingival index, gingival bleeding index, VSC levels, and tongue coating between the nondiabetic and diabetic patients were not significant (P>0.5). In nondiabetic patients, Fn was found to be significantly (P<0.5) more in tongue samples, whereas Pg and Tf have not shown significant values (P>0.5). In diabetic patients, Fn and Tf have shown significant (P<0.5) an increase in subgingival and tongue samples, respectively, whereas Pg has not shown significant difference between subgingival and tongue samples. Interpretation and Conclusion: The results confirm that there is no difference in clinical parameters between nondiabetic and diabetic periodontitis patients, but the odoriferous microbial profiles in tongue samples of diabetic patients were found to be high. However, there is a weak positive correlation between VSC levels, clinical parameters, and odoriferous microbial profiles.

Avaliação de um novo enxaguatório na formação de cáseos amigdalianos / Evaluation of a new mouthwash on caseous formation

Os cáseos amigdalianos afetam uma significativa porcentagem da população. As cirurgias, conservadoras ou não, têm sido as únicas alternativas viáveis de tratamento. Entretanto, ainda hoje não há um método econômico e não-invasivo de tratamento que apresente resultados satisfatórios. OBJETIVOS: Os objetivos deste estudo são avaliar a eficiência de um enxaguatório, cujos ingredientes ativos associam substâncias oxigenantes e antimicrobianas, na diminuição da formação dos cáseos amigdalianos e da saburra lingual, cuja etiologia é semelhante à dos cáseos, e avaliar a redução da concentração dos compostos sulfurados voláteis (CSVs). FORMA DE ESTUDO: Estudo clínico e experimental, randomizado, duplo-cego, placebo-controlado. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foi utilizada uma amostra de 50 voluntários, com queixa de tonsilite crônica caseosa há mais de um ano. A pesquisa foi realizada em 2005, nas cidades de São Paulo e Campinas. RESULTADOS: Para o grupo que utilizou a solução placebo, não houve correlação entre as variáveis nem significância estatística nos resultados. Para o grupo que utilizou o enxaguatório, os resultados foram significativos em todos os quesitos analisados. CONCLUSÕES: O novo enxaguatório demonstrou ser uma alternativa conservadora viável para o tratamento da tonsilite crônica caseosa, sendo eficiente também na redução da formação de saburra lingual e concentração dos CSVs.

Tonsil caseous affects a significant percentage of the population. Surgeries, conservative or not, have been the only viable alternatives of treatment. However, today there is still not, up to now, an economical and non-invasive treatment that presents satisfactory results. AIMS: The objectives of this study are to evaluate the efficiency of a mouthwash, with active ingredients that associate oxygenating and antimicrobial substances, in the reduction of caseous and tongue coating formation, whose etiology is similar to caseous, and to evaluate the reduction of the volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) concentration. STUDY DESIGN: Double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical and experimental study. MATERIAL E METHODS: A sample of 50 volunteers with more than one year of chronic caseous tonsillitis complaint used it. The research was carried out in 2005, in the cities of São Paulo and Campinas. RESULTS: For the group that used the placebo solution, there was no correlation between the variables or statistical significance in the results. For the group that used the mouthwash, the results were significant in all analyzed questions. CONCLUSIONS: This new mouthwash proved to be a viable conservative alternative for the treatment of tonsil caseous, being also efficient in the reduction of tongue coating formation and VSCs concentration.

Flavoring agents present in a dentifrice can modify volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) formation in morning bad breath

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a flavor-containing dentifrice on the formation of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) in morning bad breath. A two-step, blinded, crossover, randomized study was carried out in 50 dental students with a healthy periodontium divided into two experimental groups: flavor-containing dentifrice (test) and non-flavor-containing dentifrice (control). The volunteers received the designated dentifrice and a new toothbrush for a 3 X/day brushing regimen for 2 periods of 30 days. A seven-day washout interval was used between the periods. The assessed parameters were: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), organoleptic breath scores (ORG), VSC levels (as measured by a portable sulphide monitor) before (H1) and after (H2) cleaning of the tongue, tongue coating (TC) wet weight and BANA test from TC samples. The intra-group analysis showed a decrease in ORG, from 3 to 2, after 30 days for the test group (p < 0.05). The inter-group analysis showed lower values in ORG, H1 and H2 for the test group (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the amount of TC between groups and the presence of flavor also did not interfere in the BANA results between groups (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that a flavor-containing dentifrice seems to prevent VSCs formation in morning bad breath regardless of the amount of TC in periodontally healthy subjects.