Association of Fusobacterium Isolation From Periodontal Pockets With Halitosis and the Related Risk Factors in Shiraz, Iran

摘要

Background: Over recent decades, halitosis has become a priority in oral hygiene maintenance. Bad breath is one of the primary reasons for referral to dentists in Iran. Although halitosis is mainly caused by endogenous factors such as microbial metabolism, it is a multifactorial condition. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the probable relationship of the presence of Fusobacterium species in periodontal pockets with halitosis and determine the risk factors for this condition. Patients and Methods: This case–control study included patients referred to a polyclinic in Shiraz, which is located in Fars province in the southwest of Iran. In total, 50 patients with halitosis confirmed by an organoleptic test and 50 patients without oral malodor were recruited. Samples were obtained from their periodontal pockets using absorbent paper points and cultured for characterization by biochemical tests. Results: In total, 26% (n = 13) and 8% (n = 4) samples were positive for Fusobacterium species in the halitosis and control groups, respectively, with F. nucleatum present in the greatest proportion in both groups. Halitophobia was significantly more frequent in the halitosis group than in the control group (P 0.001). Sinusitis was the most common systemic disease. Moreover, the halitosis group patients exhibited a greater tendency to include curry powder, chili, and sausage in their diet compared with the control subjects (P 0.05). Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that the presence of Fusobacterium species in periodontal pockets is an important risk factor for halitosis.