Halitosis of oral origin: diagnosis and treatment with mouthwash

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has recently been recognised as a very important gasotransmitter with neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, anti-apoptotic and angiogenic functions, both in physiological and pathological conditions. When methylated, it produces methanethiol (CH3SH), both of which are the most offensive gases responsible for intraoral halitosis. This cross-over clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of chlorhexidine (CHX) or essential oil (EO) based rinses with and without alcohol in reducing H2S and CH3SH levels. Compared to baseline levels, in the first hour, only OEc/a was able to significantly reduce breath (H2S p <0.0001 and CH3SH p=0.001) for both gases and its effect lasted up to three hours (H2S p <0.0001 and CH3SH p=0.001). CHXc/a (control) reduced H2S in the first hour (p = 0.001) and lasted for three hours (H2S p<0.0001) with no effect on CH3SH. CHXs/a only reduced H2S levels, but less effectively over the whole period (p=0.001 for all 3 times). OEs/a had no effect on breath, which increased over time for both gases. Conclusion: OEc/a performed better in relation to intraoral halitosis.

Autorentext

Graduated in Dentistry from the University of São Paulo's Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry (1987), where he also completed a Dental Residency in Endodontics (1988 and 1989), he holds two Specialist Degrees: in Endodontics and in Prosthodontics. He has a Master's Degree (1996) and a PhD in Oral Rehabilitation (1999), and is currently a Full Professor (MS-6).