Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil Inhibits the Ability of Fusobacterium nucleatum to Produce Volatile Sulfide Compounds, a Key Components in Oral Malodor.

Oral malodor still constitutes a major challenge worldwide. A strong effort is invested in eliminating volatile sulfur compound-producing oral bacteria through organic natural products such as essential oils. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a known volatile sulfur compound-producing bacteria that inspires oral malodor. The aim of the present study was to test the effect of lavender essential oil on the bacterium's ability to produce volatile sulfide compounds, the principal components of oral malodor. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of lavender essential oil on Fusobacterium nucleatum was determined in a previous trial. Fusobacterium nucleatum was incubated anaerobically in the presence of sub-MIC, MIC, and above MIC concentrations of lavender essential oil, as well as saline and chlorhexidine as negative and positive controls, respectively. Following incubation, volatile sulfur compound levels were measured using GC (Oralchroma), and bacterial cell membrane damage was studied using fluorescence microscopy. Chemical analysis of lavender essential oil yielded five main components, with camphor being the most abundant, accounting for nearly one-third of the total lavender essential oil volume. The MIC (4 µL/mL) of lavender essential oil reduced volatile sulfur compound secretion at a statistically significant level compared to the control (saline). Furthermore, the level of volatile sulfur compound production attributed to 1 MIC of lavender essential oil was in the range of the positive control chlorhexidine with no significant difference. When examining bacterial membrane damage, 2 MIC of lavender essential oil (i.e., 8 µL/mL) demonstrated the same, showing antibacterial membrane damage values comparative to chlorhexidine. Since lavender essential oil was found to be highly effective in hindering volatile sulfur compound production by Fusobacterium nucleatum through the induction of bacterial cell membrane damage, the results suggest that lavender essential oil may be a suitable alternative to conventional chemical-based anti-malodor agents.

Short term effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and probiotic L. salivarius WB21 on halitosis: A controlled and randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and the use of probiotics on the treatment of halitosis. METHODS: Fifty-two participants, aged from 18 to 25 years, exhaling sulfhydride (H2S) ≥ 112 ppb were selected. They were allocated into 4 groups (n = 13): Group 1: tongue scraper; Group 2: treated once with aPDT; Group 3: probiotic capsule containing Lactobacillus salivarius WB21 (6.7 x 108 CFU) and xylitol (280mg), 3 times a day after meals, for 14 days; Group 4: treated once with aPDT and with the probiotic capsule for 14 days. Halimetry with gas chromatography (clinical evaluation) and microbiological samples were collected from the dorsum of the tongue before and after aPDT, as well as after 7, 14, and 30 days. The clinical data failed to follow a normal distribution; therefore, comparisons were made using the Kruskal-Wallis test (independent measures) and Friedman ANOVA (dependent measures) followed by appropriate posthoc tests, when necessary. For the microbiological data, seeing as the data failed to follow a normal distribution, the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test was performed with Dunn's post-test. The significance level was α = 0.05. RESULTS: Clinical results (halimetry) showed an immediate significant reduction in halitosis with aPDT (p = 0.0008) and/or tongue scraper (p = 0.0006). Probiotics showed no difference in relation to the initial levels (p = 0.7530). No significant differences were found in the control appointments. The amount of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola were not altered throughout the analysis (p = 0.1616, p = 0.2829 and p = 0.2882, respectively). CONCLUSION: There was an immediate clinical reduction of halitosis with aPDT and tongue scraping, but there was no reduction in the number of bacteria throughout the study, or differences in the control times, both in the clinical and microbiological results. New clinical trials are necessary to better assess the tested therapies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials NCT03996044.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on diabetes-related oral complications.

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled blood sugar levels, which lead to end-organ damage. While the diagnosis and treatment of its complications have been extensively studied, the effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO2) on diabetes-related oral complications remains unexplored. Aim: This prospective clinical study aims to investigate the effect of HBO2 on diabetes-related oral complications. Methods: Twenty patients diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers and scheduled for HBO2 were included in this study. We recorded stimulated and unstimulated saliva pH, buffering capacity, flow rate, and subjective symptoms such as dry mouth, halitosis, taste loss, difficulty swallowing, and clinical examination findings before HBO2 and after the 21st session. Results: Upon comparing the findings, we observed a significant decrease in dry mouth and halitosis, periodontal disease severity, and healing of candida-related stomatitis and angular cheilitis. Despite not reaching statistical significance for other saliva parameters, the unstimulated salivary flow rate increased to normal limits (0.3-0.4 ml/min) in 6 out of 8 patients with a flow rate of less than 0.25 ml/min. Conclusion: Our study investigated the effect of HBO2 on diabetes-related oral complications for the first time, highlighting symptomatic relief for dry mouth and halitosis. Although our results are insufficient to report a definitive benefit, they underscore the need for further research on the oral health effects of HBO2.

Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract alleviates halitosis and reduces the inflammatory response to oral bacteria.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of Phyllanthus emblica extract in alleviating halitosis and reducing the inflammatory response to halitosis-related bacteria. METHODOLOGY: This investigation, using Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract (PE), involved four aspects. First, we evaluated the effect on growth and aggregation of halitosis-related bacteria, including Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Solobacterium moorei, using a microdilution assay and scanning electron microscopy. Second, volatile sulfur compound (VSC) levels were measured on individuals with halitosis in randomized short-term (26 participants) and double-blind randomized long-term trials (18 participants in each group) after rinsing with PE for 3, 6, and 12 h, and 28 days. Third, we analyzed pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in TR146 cells using quantitative real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Lastly, we assessed pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 mRNA expression via the same experimental methods in a three-dimensional oral mucosal epithelial model (3D OMEM). RESULTS: PE extract dose-dependently inhibited the growth of F. nucleatum (50% inhibition concentration [IC50]=0.079%), P. gingivalis (IC50=0.65%), and S. moorei (IC50=0.07%) and effectively prevented bacterial aggregation. Furthermore, VSC contents decreased significantly at 3, 6, and 12 h after rinsing with 5% PE compared with those in the control. Long-term use of mouthwash containing 5% PE for 28 days led to a significant decrease in VSC contents. PE attenuated the F. nucleatum- or P. gingivalis-stimulated mRNA expression and protein release of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in TR146 cells. It also suppressed IL-8 and prostaglandin E2 secretion and TLR2 mRNA expression in F. nucleatum-induced OMEMs. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the use of PE in oral care products to alleviate halitosis and it may reduce inflammation.

The association between halitosis and periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this systemic review and meta-analysis was to explore the association between halitosis and periodontitis in observational studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search covered PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library until August 18, 2023. Nine observational studies (585 cases, 1591 controls) were analyzed using Stata 17, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses considered halitosis assessment methods. RESULTS: The review found a positive association between halitosis and periodontitis. Significant differences were observed with organoleptic test (OR = 4.05, 95% CI: 1.76, 9.30, p < 0.01) and volatile sulfur compound readings (OR = 4.52, 95% CI: 1.89, 10.83, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A positive association was observed between halitosis and periodontitis, supported by significant differences in both organoleptic and volatile sulfur compound readings. However, conclusive findings are limited by statistical heterogeneity, emphasizing the need for additional research. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the halitosis and periodontitis association is clinically significant, informing potential interventions for improved oral health. Further research is vital to refine understanding and guide effective clinical strategies, acknowledging the limitations in current findings.

Dental restorative materials and halitosis: a preliminaryin-vitrostudy.

Despite the widespread use of dental restorative materials, little information exists in the literature regarding their potential impact on bad breath. This in vitro study aims to fill this gap by investigating the influence of different restorative materials on the release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Thirteen diverse dental restorative materials, including composites, flowable composites, glass ionomer restorative materials, high-copper amalgam, and CAD-CAM blocks, were examined. Cellulose Sponge models were used as negative and positive control. All samples were prepared with a diameter of 5 mm and a height of 2 mm. Except for the negative control group, all samples were embedded into Allium cepa L., and the emitted H2S was measured using the Wintact W8802 hydrogen sulfide monitor. Surface roughness's effect on emission was explored by roughening the surfaces of CAD-CAM material samples, and gas emission was measured again. The data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and DSCF pairwise comparison tests. Fiber-reinforced flowable composite (EverX Flow), amalgam (Nova 70-caps), and certain composite materials (IPS Empress Direct, Tetric Evoceram, Admira Fusion X-tra) released higher H2S concentrations compared to the negative control. The H2S release period lasted longer in the same materials mentioned above, along with G-aenial Universal Injectable. Indirectly used materials, such as GC Cerasmart, Vita Enamic, and Vita YZ HT, demonstrated significantly lower emissions compared to other direct restoratives. Importantly, the surface roughness of indirect materials did not significantly affect peak H2S concentrations or release times. The study reveals variations in H2S release among restorative materials, suggesting potential advantages of indirect restorative materials in reducing H2S-induced halitosis. This comprehensive understanding of the relationship between restorative materials and halitosis can empower both dental professionals and patients to make well-informed treatment choices. Notably, there is evidence supporting the enhanced performance of indirect restorative materials for individuals affected by halitosis.

Halitosis in young patients with chronic kidney disease: findings from a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) directly affects oral health. Yet data about halitosis in young CKD patients and the impact of dental prophylaxis is limited. Therefore, as part of this randomized clinical trial, halitosis in young CKD patients undergoing intensive or standard oral preventive procedures was to be explored. METHODS: Three volatile sulfur compounds (hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfide) were measured in 30 young patients with CKD (mean age 14.2 years; 16 males, 14 females). Breath samples were taken after 3 and 6 months and analyzed with selective gas chromatography (OralChroma). Tongue coating (Winkel Index) and clinical indices to determine local inflammation or oral hygiene (Papillary Bleeding Index and Quigley-Hein Index) were assessed. Within an extended anamnesis, patients and their mothers and nurses were questioned about the perceived halitosis. Corresponding quotes were noted verbatim. Patients were randomized to either intensive need-related oral health care measures (oral preventative program, OPP) or a one-stage standard prevention (treatment as usual, TAU). RESULTS: While there were no differences in volatile sulfur compound levels between TAU and OPP at the three time points of measurements (p > 0.05), there was a tendency towards a reduction in dimethyl sulfide and hydrogen sulfide of affected patients within the OPP group over time. Looking at potential differences between both groups with regard to tongue coating, significant differences were observed between baseline and 3 months after study start in the OPP group, and between baseline and 6 months after study start in the TAU group (p < 0.05). The burden of halitosis was frequently reported by patients' mothers and nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Young CKD patients regularly suffered from halitosis and dimethyl sulfide was its main source. Preventive measures mainly resulted in a reduction of tongue coating. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The German Clinical Trial Register (# DRKS00010580).

Effect of dental chew on reducing dental plaque, dental calculus and halitosis in beagle dogs.

Periodontosis is the most common clinical disease in adult dogs, which is mainly caused by plaque accumulation and seriously endangers the oral health of dogs and even cause kidney, myocardial, and liver problems in severe cases. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of dental chew (Cature Brushing Treats product) with mechanical and chemical properties in beagles. The dogs in the experimental group were fed with a dental chew twice a day after meals; The control group had no treatment. Dental plaque was evaluated on the 14th day and 29th day, respectively. The concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) in the breath and dental calculus were also evaluated on the 29th day. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the indexes of dental plaque on the 14th day. While they had significantly reduced accumulation of plaque (37.63%), calculus (37.61%), and VSC concentration (81.08%) compared to when receiving no chew on the 29th day.

Efficacy of a mouthwash containing ε-poly-L-lysine, funme peptides and domiphen in reducing halitosis and supragingival plaque: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antibacterial effectiveness of a combination of ε-poly-L-lysine (ε-PL), funme peptide (FP) as well as domiphen against oral pathogens, and assess the efficacy of a BOP® mouthwash supplemented with this combination in reducing halitosis and supragingival plaque in a clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the compound against Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were determined by the gradient dilution method. Subsequently, the CCK-8 assay was used to detect the toxicity of mouthwash on human gingival fibroblastst, and the effectiveness in reducing halitosis and supragingival plaque of the mouthwash supplemented with the combination was analyzed by a randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled clinical trial. RESULTS: The combination exhibited significant inhibitory effects on tested oral pathogens with the MIC < 1.56% (v/v) and the MBC < 3.13% (v/v), and the mouthwash containing this combination did not inhibit the viability of human gingival fibroblasts at the test concentrations. The clinical trial showed that the test group displayed notably lower volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) at 0, 10, 24 h, and 7 d post-mouthwash (P < 0.05), compared with the baseline. After 7 days, the VSC levels of the and control groups were reduced by 50.27% and 32.12%, respectively, and notably cutting severe halitosis by 57.03% in the test group. Additionally, the Plaque Index (PLI) of the test and control group decreased by 54.55% and 8.38%, respectively, and there was a significant difference in PLI between the two groups after 7 days (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of ε-PL, FP and domiphen demonstrated potent inhibitory and bactericidal effects against the tested oral pathogens, and the newly formulated mouthwash added with the combination exhibited anti-dental plaque and anti-halitosis properties in a clinical trial and was safe. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The randomized controlled clinical trial was registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2300073816, Date: 21/07/2023).

Oral microbiota transplantation for intra-oral halitosis: a feasibility analysis based on an oral microbiota colonization trial in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Intra-oral halitosis (IOH) is bad breath produced locally by the mouth in addition to systemic diseases and is one of the main causes of interpersonal communication and psychological disorders in modern society. However, current treatment modalities still only alleviate IOH and do not eradicate it. Therefore, based on the differential performance of oral microecology in IOH patients, we propose a microbiota transplantation treatment aimed at restoring oral microecological balance and analyze its feasibility by oral flora colonization test in Wistar rats. OBJECTIVE: Saliva flora samples were collected from IOH patients and healthy subjects to analyze the feasibility of oral microbiota transplantation (OMT) for the treatment of IOH by the Wistar rat oral flora colonization test. METHODS: Seven patients with IOH who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from June 2017 to June 2022 with the main complaint of halitosis and three healthy subjects were randomly selected. A Halimeter portable breath detector was used to record breath values and collect saliva flora samples. Sixteen SPF-grade male Wistar rats were housed in the Animal Experiment Center of Xinjiang Medical University and randomly divided into an experimental group (Group E) and a control group (Group C) for the oral flora colonization test. Species composition and associated metabolic analysis of oral flora during the Wistar rat test using 16SrRNA sequencing technology and PICRUSt metabolic analysis. Also, the changes in the breath values of the rats were recorded during the test. RESULTS: The proportion of Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, Leptotrichia, and Peptostreptococcus was significantly higher in group E compared to group C after colonization of salivary flora of IOH patients (all P < 0.05), and the abundance with Gemella was zero before colonization, while no colonization was seen in group C after colonization compared to baseline. PICRUSt metabolic analysis also showed significantly enhanced IOH-related metabolic pathways after colonization in group E (all P < 0.05), as well as significantly higher breath values compared to baseline and group C (all P < 0.0001). After colonization by salivary flora from healthy subjects, group E rats showed a decrease in the abundance of associated odor-causing bacteria colonization, a reduction in associated metabolism, and a significant decrease in breath values. In contrast, group C also showed differential changes in flora structure and breath values compared to baseline after salivary flora colonization of IOH patients. CONCLUSIONS: OMT for IOH is a promising green treatment option, but the influence of environmental factors and individual differences still cannot be ignored.

Tongue-Coating Microbial and Metabolic Characteristics in Halitosis.

Halitosis is a common oral condition, which leads to social embarrassment and affects quality of life. Cumulative evidence has suggested the association of tongue-coating microbiome with the development of intraoral halitosis. The dynamic variations of tongue-coating microbiota and metabolites in halitosis have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the tongue-coating microbial and metabolic characteristics in halitosis subjects without other oral diseases using metagenomics and metabolomics analysis. The participants underwent oral examination, halitosis assessment, and tongue-coating sample collection for the microbiome and metabolome analysis. It was found that the microbiota richness and diversity were significantly elevated in the halitosis group. Furthermore, species from Actinomyces, Prevotella, Veillonella, and Solobacterium were significantly more abundant in the halitosis group. However, the Rothia and Streptococcus species exhibited opposite tendencies. Eleven Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were significantly enriched in the halitosis tongue coatings, including cysteine and methionine metabolism. Functional genes related to sulfur, indole, skatole, and cadaverine metabolic processes (such as serA, metH, metK and dsrAB) were identified to be more abundant in the halitosis samples. The metabolome analysis revealed that indole-3-acetic, ornithine, and L-tryptophan were significantly elevated in the halitosis samples. Furthermore, it was observed that the values of volatile sulfur compounds and indole-3-acetic abundances were positively correlated. The multiomics analysis identified the metagenomic and metabolomic characteristics to differentiate halitosis from healthy individuals using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression and random forest classifier. A total of 19 species and 39 metabolites were identified as features in halitosis patients, which included indole-3-acetic acid, Bacillus altitudinis, Candidatus Saccharibacteria, and Actinomyces species. In conclusion, an evident shift in microbiome and metabolome characteristics was observed in the halitosis tongue coating, which may have a potential etiological significance and provide novel insights into the mechanism for halitosis.

Asociación entre la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea y las manifestaciones orales auto reportadas en adultos mayores / Association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and self-reported oral manifestations in older adults

Fundamentos: La Dieta mediterránea (DM) es muy abundante en vitaminas que podrían contribuir al equilibrio en el mantenimiento de la salud cavidad oral. Por ello, es necesario determinar la asociación de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea con las manifestaciones orales autoreportadas en adultos mayores. Métodos: El diseño del estudio realizado fue observacional de tipo analítico y transversal. Se ejecutó mediante una encuesta de forma virtual en adultos mayores durante el año 2022. Se utilizaron instrumentos validados de adherencia de la DM (MEDAS-14) y un autorreporte sobre manifestaciones orales, además se evaluaron diversas covariables. Para las variables cualitativas se obtuvieron frecuencias relativas y absolutas. En el análisis bivariado se utilizó la prueba estadística Chi-cuadrado. Para la asociación de las variables cualitativas y el cálculo de las razones de prevalencia crudas y ajustadas, se empleó la regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta. Resultado: Se halló que el 90,91% de los encuestados que mantenían una adherencia a la DM alta no manifestaban halitosis. Además, se observó que 57,58% que seguían una dieta mediterránea alta no manifestaba dolor dental. Se encontró en el análisis multivariado asociación estadísticamente significativa entre los encuestados que tenían una adherencia a la DM con ciertas manifestaciones orales tales como presencia de caries dental, dolor dental, halitosis, presencia de sangrado y movilidad dental en los análisis crudo y ajustado. Conclusión: La adherencia a la dieta mediterránea se relaciona a un mejor estado de salud en una población de adultos mayores. (AU)

Background: The Mediterranean Diet is very abundant in vitamins that could contribute to the balance in the maintenance of oral cavity health. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the association of adherence to the Mediterranean diet with self-reported oral manifestations in older adults. Methods: The study design was observational, analytical and cross-sectional. It was carried out through a virtual survey in older adults during the year 2022. Validated instruments of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MEDAS14) and a self-report on oral manifestations were used, in addition various covariates were evaluated. For the qualitative variables, relative and absolute frequencies were obtained. In the bivariate analysis, the Chi-square statistical test was used. For the association of the qualitative variables and the calculation of the raw and adjusted prevalence ratios, Poisson regression with robust variance was used. Result: It was found that 90.91% of the respondents who maintained a high adherence to the MD did not manifest halitosis. In addition, it was observed that 57.58% who followed a high Mediterranean diet did not manifest dental pain. In the multivariate analysis, a statistically significant association was found between those surveyed who adhered to the MD with certain oral manifestations such as the presence of dental caries, dental pain, halitosis, presence of bleeding, and dental mobility in the crude and adjusted analyzes. (AU)

Effects of a novel dental chew on oral health outcomes, halitosis, and microbiota of adult dogs.

Halitosis in dogs is an initial indication of periodontitis, highlighting its significance as a vital marker for underlying problems. Moreover, the oral microbial population has a significant influence on periodontal disease. Measuring the oral microbiota may be used in addition to breath odor, dental plaque, and gingivitis scoring to assess the impact of dental chews on oral health. In this study, we aimed to determine the differences in breath odor, oral health outcomes, and oral microbiota of adult dogs consuming a novel dental chew compared with control dogs consuming only a diet. Twelve healthy adult female beagle dogs were used in a crossover design study. Treatments (n = 12/group) included: diet only (control) or the diet + a novel dental chew. Each day, one chew was provided 4 h after mealtime. On days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 27, breath samples were analyzed for total volatile sulfur compound concentrations using a halimeter. On day 0 of each period, teeth were cleaned by a veterinary dentist blinded to treatments. Teeth were scored for plaque, calculus, and gingivitis by the same veterinary dentist on day 28 of each period. After scoring, subgingival and supragingival plaque samples were collected for microbiota analysis using Illumina MiSeq. All data were analyzed using SAS (version 9.4) using the Mixed Models procedure, with P < 0.05 being significant. Overall, the dental chews were well accepted. Dogs consuming the dental chews had lower calculus coverage, thickness, and scores, lower gingivitis scores, and less pocket bleeding than control dogs. Breath volatile sulfur compounds were lower in dogs consuming the dental chews. Bacterial alpha-diversity analysis demonstrated that control dogs had higher bacterial richness than dogs fed dental chews. Bacterial beta-diversity analysis demonstrated that samples clustered based on treatment. In subgingival and supragingival plaque, control dogs had higher relative abundances of potentially pathogenic bacteria (Pelistega, Desulfovibrio, Desulfomicrobium, Fretibacterium, Helcococcus, and Treponema) and lower relative abundances of genera associated with oral health (Neisseria, Actinomyces, and Corynebacterium). Our results suggest that the dental chew tested in this study may aid in reducing periodontal disease risk in dogs by beneficially shifting the microbiota population and inhabiting plaque buildup.

In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of a novel dental chew on the breath odor, oral health outcomes, and oral microbiota of dogs. Healthy adult dogs were used in a crossover design study to test a diet only (control) or the diet plus a novel dental chew. Each day, one chew was provided 4 h after mealtime. Breath samples were analyzed over time and teeth were scored for plaque, calculus, and gingivitis by a veterinary dentist on day 28 of each period. After scoring, subgingival and supragingival plaque samples were collected for microbiota analysis. Dogs consuming dental chews had lower calculus coverage, thickness, and scores, lower gingivitis scores, and less pocket bleeding than control dogs. Breath volatile sulfur compounds were lower in dogs consuming dental chews. Bacterial alpha-diversity was higher in control dogs than in dogs fed dental chews. Bacterial beta-diversity analysis demonstrated sample clustering based on treatment. Control dogs had higher relative abundances of potentially pathogenic bacteria and lower relative abundances of genera associated with oral health. Our results suggest that the dental chew tested may aid in reducing periodontal disease risk in dogs by beneficially shifting microbiota and inhabiting plaque buildup.

How far does feedback on oral malodor assessment influence the decision to quit smoking?

DESIGN: A retrospective, uncontrolled, questionnaire-based, pre-post study involving adult male smoker volunteers who were invited to attend a one-day smoking cessation event at their workplace. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of feedback on motivation for smoking cessation using oral-malodor measurements. METHODS: At baseline, the participants attended a brief video presentation regarding various oral health-specific effects of smoking, joined a group introduction to smoking-cessation aids, and were given questionnaires that inquired information about smoking status including type, daily consumption, and duration. Subsequently, respiratory function and oral-malodor assessment were conducted using exhaled and oral cavity air, respectively. To measure oral-malodor, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide concentrations were determined. Participants' intention for smoking cessation was evaluated through questionnaire before and after the event, classifying their intentions as aiming to quit within the next month, within the next 6 months, or having no intention to quit smoking. Immediate feedback on respiratory function and oral malodor measurements was provided by medical and dental blinded examiners, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 241 men, aged 20-54 years, were enrolled and included: 169 (70.1%) exclusive cigarette smokers, 39 (16.2%) exclusive heated-tobacco product users, and 33 (13.7%) users of both. Prior to the health event, 8.7%, 17.0%, and 74.3% of smokers expressed intentions to quit within the next month, the next 6 months, or had no intention to quit, respectively. After the event, the corresponding percentages shifted to 17.8%, 26.6%, and 55.6%. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the association with intention to quit in the next month was significant only for methyl mercaptan concentration in oral cavity air, with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 4.24 (95% CI: 1.52-11.84; p = 0.006). Sensitivity analysis revealed that this association was concentration-dependent. On the other hand, higher daily tobacco consumption (≥ 15 pieces) was significantly associated with less likely intention to quit in the next 6 months (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.15-0.92, p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Feedback on oral malodor measurement may support the motivation of men to quit smoking within the next month, rather than waiting for the next 6 months.

Investigating the prevalence of halitosis and its associated factors amongst the general population of Karachi, Pakistan.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of halitosis among the general population of Karachi, and to identify factors contributing to its occurrence. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2022 in Karachi after approval from the ethics review board of Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, and comprised the adult population of Karachi. Data was collected online using a questionnaire that was piloted before its link was distributed through social media platforms. The questionnaire evaluated the association of demographic features with self-perceived halitosis on the basis of which factors predictive of halitosis were determined. Data was analysed using SPSS 26. RESULTS: Of a total of 342 subjects, 182(53%) were females and 160(47%) were males. There were 141(41$) subjects aged 18-25 years, and 166(48%) were graduates. Overall, 240(70%) subjects reported to have self-perceived halitosis. Age, monthly household income, niswar and tea consumption, irregular use of dental floss and tongue cleaning were associated with higher incidence of halitosis (p<0.05). Carrying water bottle while outside was associated with decreased halitosis (p=0.007). Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, sinusitis, asthma, diabetes, hypertension and mental stress were associated with halitosis (p<0.05). Higher monthly household income and daily use of dental floss predicted lower odds of halitosis (p<0.05). Conclusion: Maintaining good oral hygiene and hydration reduced, while comorbid conditions increased the probability of halitosis.

Sociodemographic and Behavioural Factors Affecting the Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life as Measured with the Child-OIDP Index in Adolescents.

PURPOSE: Environmental factors modulate oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The aim of this study was to analyse sociodemographic and behavioural factors affecting the OHRQoL in Spanish adolescents, by using the Child-OIDP (Child-Oral Impacts on Daily Performances) index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 337 adolescent schoolchildren aged 13-15 years. A questionnaire on sociodemographic, behavioural and oral self-perception factors was administered with the Child-OIDP questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests, as well as a regression model were used in the data analysis. RESULTS: The overall mean Child-OIDP index was 3.28±6.55. It was statistically significantly higher in females than in males (p < 0.001). Mothers having a managerial job showed statistical association with worse OHRQoL (p < 0.001). Caries experience and history of dental trauma were not associated with the oral-health-related quality of life (p > 0.05). Halitosis statistically significantly affected the activities of daily living (p < 0.001). Perceived dental problems, dental treatment needs, self-assessment of oral health status and satisfaction with oral health were associated with the impact index (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Mothers who were managers, female sex, presence of halitosis, and perceived dental treatment needs were the most important predictors of the impact index, while dietary habits, oral hygiene, and dental visits did not affect it. Knowledge of these factors will help dental professionals to apply adequate preventive and therapeutic measures.

Effectiveness of Glutamine Oral Care in Reducing Oral Mucositis and Improving Oral Health After Neurosurgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Microbiome Analysis.

BACKGROUND Hospital-acquired infections negatively impact the health of inpatients and are highly costly to treat. Oral care reduces the microorganism number in the mouth and lungs and is essential in preventing postoperative oral inflammation, lung infection, and other complications. This study was designed to determine the effects of oral care with glutamine on oral health, oral flora, and incidence of pneumonia in patients after neurosurgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a parallel, double-blind, randomized trial. Patients admitted to the Neurosurgery Department of the hospital from July to October 2021 were selected. Three hundred patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into 3 groups. The control group (n=100) received oral care with routine oral nursing methods with saline, whereas the experimental group (n=100) received oral care with 5% glutamine. A compound chlorhexidine group (n=100) was set as a positive control. All patients, care providers, and investigators were blinded to the group assignment. The incidence of local debris, oral mucositis, halitosis, dryness, oral mucositis disorders, and oral flora types were collected and analyzed in all groups. RESULTS The incidence of local debris, oral mucositis, halitosis, dryness, and other oral mucositis disorders in the glutamine oral care group was significantly decreased, compared with that of the control group. Oral flora types in the glutamine and chlorhexidine groups were significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS Oral care with 5% glutamine after neurosurgery is associated with a lower incidence of oral disorders and pneumonia, and a significant reduction in oral flora.