Evaluation of halitosis in children and mothers

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence and clinical parameters that are associated with halitosis in pediatric dental patients and compare these findings with those found for the patients' mother. Methods: Children aged 5 to 12 years old were evaluated with mothers present during a dental visit. Each mother completed the child's medical history and a breath odor questionnaire. The mother and an oral breath judge (OBJ) evaluated the child's oral breath using organoleptic methods. A commercial breath analyzer (CBA) measured the oral and nasal levels of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) for child and mother before and after tongue debridement. A number of oral parameters were recorded for the children. Results: Thirty children (mean age=8.8 years) and 18 mothers participated. Halitosis (VSC>100 parts per billion, or ppb) was found in 23% of children and 11% of mothers, but was not significantly correlated. In contrast, 61% of mothers reported halitosis in themselves and their child. Significant differences were found between VSC levels and frequency of tooth-brushing (P<.05, univariate ANOVA). There was significant correlation in the detection of breath odor between mother and OBJ (P<.05, Pearson); however, there was no significant correlation between evaluators and CBA. A positive correlation existed between the presence of interproximal restorations and breath odor by OBJ (P<-05, Pearson). Conclusions: Halitosis may be a problem in some healthy children, but it does not correlate well with mothers' breath odor or common oral parameters. The organoleptic and CBA results were inconsistent, suggesting factors other than VSCs may be associated with halitosis in children.