Abstract
This paper was described about ideas and practices of oral malodor assessment in dental clinics. More than 80% of oral malodor originates locally in the mouth. Volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) such as hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and dymethyl sulfide are major components of oral malodor. For oral malodor assessments, both organoleptic test and VSC measurements using gas chromatography or portable sulfide monitors are available in dental clinics. However, qualitative and quantitative evaluation by organoleptic test is more important for a final diagnosis because many kinds of odor components besides VSCs are involved in mouth air. Anaerobic bacteria, including periodontal pathogenic bacteria, produce VSCs. Especially methyl mercaptan is considered one of the important clinical markers for periodontitis since methyl mercaptan/total VSCs ratio reflects well the disease severity. On the other hand, VSCs have actual toxicity to mucosal tissues. Therefore, oral malodor may influence to deteriorate periodontal diseases. Oral malodor is a potential concern for general patients who visit dental clinics. So, oral malodor assessments and treatments are effective for dental patients in terms of motivation to improve their oral health.
