A newly designed breath detector for halitosis

Abstract

Analysis of malodorous components of the breath requires a large experimental facility. We recently developed breath detection equipment that had ammonia, not methyl mercaptan, as its target. We found that the amount of ammonia in a healthy subject was less than 16 ppm. There was a significant positive correlation between the amount of ammonia measured by the breath inspection equipment and that of methyl mercaptan detected by gas chromatography in 12 patients with periodontal disease who had halitosis. Also, there was a positive correlation between the amount of ammonia, clinical findings, and the bacteria count indicated by a phase contrast microscope. We found that the amount of ammonia decreased after initial preparation for periodontal therapy.Shika Igaku(J Osaka Odontol Soc) 2003 Dec; 66(4): 350-360.