The microbiological evaluation of a new halitosis treatment protocol in a teenage children

The aim of this study was to compare levels of salivary and tongue coating bacteria which produced volatile sulfur compounds in adolescent without systemic disease and to determine a new halitosis treatment protocol and its effects on volatile sulfur compounds producing bacteria. 40 subjects with halitosis were selected between the ages of 12-16. While organoleptic examinations were carried out and halimeter levels were recorded for each subject, saliva and tongue coat samples were collected for microbiological investigation at baseline, after periodontal, restorative treatment and after halitosis treatment protocols. As the treatment protocol, mouthrinse containing chlorhexidine glukonat (Group I) toothpaste and chewing gum containing zinc (Group II), mouthrinse containing chlorhexidine glukonat and toothpaste and chewing gum containing zinc (Group III), tap water (Group IV) and parafine (Group V) were used.As a result of this study there was a significant correlation between organoleptic scores and halimeter findings (p<0.001). Halitosis was related with plaque index (p<0.001), CPITN (p<0.0017) and tongue coat index (p<0.001). There was a significant reduction of volatile sulfur components and bacterial counts after restorative and periodontal treatment an one week halitosis treatment protocols (p<0.001). The major halitosis reduction was found at group III. The zinc concentration of saliva was recorded statistically significantly different before and after use of zinc containing products. Restorative and periodontal treatments besides oral hygiene instruction and weekly useage of chlorhexidine, zinc containing cheewing gum and toothpaste were found effective treatment protocols at halitosis both clinically and microbiologically.