Abstract
The national survey on health and welfare conducted
in 1999 reported approximately 15% of
people, who had some dental problem, suffered
from oral malodor. Oral malodor was ranked the
fourth highest dental complaints in Japanese.
However, there is a scarcity of epidemiological
studies assessing the prevalence of oral malodor in
the general population. Thus the aims of this
study were to assess the prevalence of oral malodor
and its relationship with oral health indicators
among general adults aged 40 to 75 years in Akita
Prefecture, Japan. The prevalence of oral malodor,
diagnosed using the organoleptic method,
revealed that approximately 37% of subjects had
oral malodor. Logistic regression analysis suggested
that oral hygiene, periodontal disease and
oral dryness were influential factors which could
cause oral malodor. Hence oral malodor related
health education, preventive interventions such
as tooth and tongue brushing instruction, and
treatment regimens targeting periodontal disease
should be incorporated into community oral
health programs. Such an approach would bring
about not only a reduction in the complaint of oral
malodor condition, but also the promotion of
overall oral health.
