Self-perceived oral malodor among periodontal patients
Oral malodor is a common, unpleasant, clinical condition with unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth resulting from gram-negative anaerobic bacterial putrefaction of sulfur-containing proteinaceous substrates (Cortelli, 2008). Oral malodor is a great concern to the general population due to its adverse consequences in life privately and professionally. It constitutes a significant issue impairing quality of life and social interactions, leading directly to low self-esteem, depression inclusive of other mood disorders. Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfide, primarily responsible for oral malodor have been implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease due to their toxicity to oral tissues which induce deleterious changes in both the extracellular matrix and local immune response of periodontal tissues to plaque antigens.
The negative image on daily social life and interpersonal communication is founded from the barrier created between affected individuals and their friends, family and co-workers by the offensive mouth air from affected individuals. It is therefore known that perceived oral malodor, either real or imaginary, triggers behavioral action geared towards restoring fresh breath and consequently facilitating social and psychological wellbeing among affected individuals.
Oral origin of malodor constituting more than 75% of cases of malodor emanate from carious lesions, periodontal disease, oral infections, peri-implant disease, pericoronitis, mucosal ulcerations, impacted food debris, tongue coating, dry mouth and improper denture hygiene. Perceived oral malodor is indeed a reason why victims, directly or indirectly, should seek dental consultation, implying that a vigilant assessment of oral malodor in dentistry will be facilitated and thereby leading to effective treatment.
Oral malodor dominantly roots from dental plaque, bacterial...