Halitosis Patients at a Newly Established Satellite Dental Hospital: Analysis of Patients and the Role of Dental Hygienists

Methods: Approximately 70% of the patients were female and most were in their 40s. We analyzed the possible causes of halitosis. Results: More than half of the patients exhibited a thick tongue coating. Low salivary flow was present in 23.6% of males and in 39.4% of females. Pocket depth ≥6 mm was found in 44.2% of males and in 16.7% of females. We also analyzed treatment provided after breath odor measurement. Most of the patients with physiological halitosis and pseudohalitosis did not receive further treatment, but some were treated at the COD with scaling and professional tooth cleaning. Many of the patients with genuine halitosis received dental treatment at the COD. We referred patients from other clinics and from distant locations to their local doctors for treatment. Conclusion: Halitosis had various causes, and the role of dental hygienists, including scaling, root planing, and tooth brushing instruction, are important in decreasing breath odor. Dental hygienists play an important role in communication with halitosis patients.