Abstract

SOUZA, Alyne Dantas de et al. Evaluation of the psychogenic character of halitosis. RFO UPF [online]. 2011, vol.16, n.2, pp. 140-143. ISSN 1413-4012.

Introduction: Halitosis is a breath condition that may alter in such an unpleasant manner for the patient as well as for the people whom he or she is related with, whether or not it is a pathologic condition. It is also known as a fetid breath, mouth stench, malodor or oral stench. The issue related to buccal odors has been a concern to society so far. Objective: the objective of this research was to evaluate the psychogenic character of halitosis in patients assisted in an Integrated Clinic of the Dentistry Department of the State University of Paraíba. Methodology: the methods used for this purpose included: interview, in which an adequate clinic form was required as well as the measurement of the halitosis degree through the use of a Breath Alert device. Results: 41.7% of the patients who showed a mild odor did not have self perception of their breath and 40% of the ones who showed moderated odor did not realize odor in his or her breath either. Therefore, 54% of the people who were interviewed that did not showed breath odor believed that halitosis. Conclusion: there seems to be a psychogenic character of halitosis, considering the existence of perception by non-carriers individuals and, in an opposed way, true halitosis is not often observed because of olfactory fatigue.

Keywords : Halitosis.; Periodontics..