Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of interest in fetor ex ore among respondents, patients of the Department of Conservative Dentistry in Warsaw.
Materials and methods: A questionnaire was completed by 295 patients, 202 females and 93 males aged 18-74 years (average 38.73 years). Each person was also examined for organoleptic score and volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) by Halimeter. Halitosis was diagnosed if the average level of VSC was > or =125 ppb and the organoleptic measurement using a 0-5 point scale was > or =2. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test.
Results: Incidence of halitosis was greatest in age ranges 25-34 years (29.68%) and 45-54 years (24.52%). Sixty-eight (43.87%) persons with diagnosed halitosis frequently reported having a problem with bad breath and only 5.81% persons with halitosis did not notice this problem (P < 0.001). Among 54 healthy persons three (5.56%) reported having a problem with halitosis (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: A statistically significant correlation was found between clinical organoleptic diagnosis of halitosis and VSC level by halimeter. Subjective patients' opinion correlated well with objective evaluation of halitosis.