Tedlar Bag Stability of Volatile Sulfur Compounds for Remote Halitosis Diagnosis

Halitosis, or bad breath, affects about 30% of people worldwide and is most often caused by oral diseases such as periodontitis. To diagnose it, dentists usually perform a clinical examination and measure specific gases in the breath called volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which are responsible for bad odor. However, the equipment needed for this analysis is not widely available, forcing many patients to travel long distances. This study aims to determine whether breath samples can be collected and analyzed later, making remote diagnosis possible. Specifically, it evaluates whether the levels of these gases remain stable for up to 7 days after collection, with a variation of less than 20% considered acceptable. To do this, 100 adult patients with periodontal conditions will be included in a single-center study.

During a single visit, patients will provide breath samples by exhaling into a special Tedlar bag and a syringe, which will then be analyzed immediately and again after 7 days using a device called OralChroma. Afull periodontal examination will also be performed, and patient information such as age and risk factors will be collected. The study will also examine how gas levels change over time and whether they are linked to gum disease. If the results confirm that the samples remain stable, this approach could allow patients to collect their breath at home and receive a diagnosis remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care.