Intra-Oral Halitosis in Periodontitis: The Role of Tongue Coating—A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Halitosis is an unpleasant breath odor that interferes with self-confidence and with people’s professional and social lives. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the impact of tongue coating on intra-oral halitosis in patients with periodontitis. The Winkel Tongue Coating Index (WTCI) score was found to be positively and significantly correlated with VSC values (rho = 0.473, p < 0.001). WTCI may be associated with levels of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) when other causes of extra-oral halitosis are excluded.

Keywords

• halitosis
• tongue coating
• periodontitis