Age-dependent aggravation of oral malodor and periodontal disease in dogs

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Halitosis or oral malodor is correlated with the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) produced in the oral cavity by metabolic activity of periodontal pathogenic germs. Our previous study demonstrated that VSCs in canine breath air can be measured using a portable VSC monitor. The aim of this study was to assess the association between oral malodor and periodontal disease in dogs. Forty-three laboratory Beagle dogs (1-16 years of age, 24 males, 19 females) were included in this study. Oral halitosis was evaluated by the organoleptic test score (OS) and by measuring the oral levels of VSCs: hydrogen sulfide (H₂S; HS), methyl mercaptan (CH₃SH; MM), and dimethyl sulfide (CH₃SCH₃; DMS) using OralChroma™. The calculus index (CI) and the gingival index (GI) were measured as periodontal parameters. Oral levels of halitosis parameters (OS, HS, MM, CI, and GI) in Group 2 dogs (7-16 years of age) were significantly higher than those in Group 1 dogs (1-6 years of age). In addition, significant positive relationships were found between oral malodor and periodontal disease, both of which are age-dependent in dogs. The present study suggested that aging is an important factor for oral malodor and periodontal disease in dogs.