Oral Malodor and Associated Factors among Japanese Female University Students

Abstract

  This cross-sectional study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of oral malodor and associated factors among Japanese female university students.

  A total of 131 female healthcare students with a mean age of 19.1±1.4 years participated. Oral malodor was assessed based on halitometric measurements. Participants were divided into three groups according to methyl mercaptan concentrations: (1) obvious, (2) light, and (3) non-oral malodor groups. Dry mouth was assessed using an oral moisture-checking meter, with a value of less than 27.0 indicating dry mouth. Tongue coating was assessed using the Winkle Tongue Coating Index after dividing the dorsum of the tongue into six sections. A self-reported questionnaire was administered to assess self-perception of oral malodor, sleep status, mental health, and oral health behavior. The findings showed that 34.4% of the participants had a self-perception of oral malodor, with the highest number of respondents reported having malodor persisting for more than five years. Rates of obvious and light oral malodor were both 12.2%, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that participants with higher tongue coating scores (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.01–1.78; p=0.041) and bedtime after 1:00 AM (OR, 4.90; 95% CI, 1.30–18.43; p=0.019) were significantly more likely to have obvious oral malodor than those without these conditions.

  These findings suggest that long-term self-perception of oral malodor was prevalent, and tongue coating and a late bedtime were malodor-associated factors in this population.