Effect of Dental Education Duration on Halitosis and Associated Factors

Halitosis, also known as oral malodor, is a multifactorial condition primarily associated with volatile sulfur compounds produced by bacterial metabolism in the oral cavity. Although previous studies have investigated factors related to halitosis, limited information is available regarding the influence of dental education duration on objective halitosis measurements and associated behavioral and psychological factors.

This study will compare first-year and fifth-year dental students to evaluate whether the duration of dental education is associated with differences in halitosis levels. Objective measurements, including organoleptic assessment and portable digital halitometer measurements of volatile sulfur compounds, will be combined with subjective assessments of halitosis perception, oral hygiene habits, perceived stress levels, tongue coating index, and DMFT index.

The findings of this study may contribute to understanding the relationship between dental education, oral health awareness, lifestyle behaviors, psychological factors, and halitosis among future dental professionals.

Inclusion criteria

• Undergraduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Dentistry at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University.
• First-year and fifth-year dental students who agree to participate in the study and provide written informed consent.
• Healthy students with no systemic diseases affecting oral health or halitosis assessment.
• Students with normal nasal breathing ability.
• Participants who comply with the pre-assessment instructions required for accurate halitosis measurements.
• Participants who are able to complete the questionnaires and clinical evaluation procedures.

Exclusion criteria

• Students with systemic diseases that may affect halitosis, including diabetes mellitus, respiratory disorders, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal failure, or gastrointestinal disorders.
• Participants with active upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, tonsilloliths, or other conditions affecting oral odor.
• Participants with a history of antibiotic use within the previous 3 weeks.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding students.
• Students unwilling to provide written informed consent.
• Students receiving active orthodontic treatment or requiring orthognathic treatment.
• Participants unable to comply with the pre-assessment restrictions (dietary restrictions, oral hygiene restrictions, smoking and product-use restrictions) before halitosis evaluation.