Association between oral malodour and periodontal disease-related parameters in a population of 71 Israelis

The aim of the present study was to determine whether oral malodour and periodontal disease parameters are associated with one another in 71 Israeli subjects (mean age 36.2 ± 18.4; ages ranging from 15 to 65). Parameters measured included whole mouth odour judge scoring, Halimeter, OK to Kiss test, gingival index, plaque index and probing depth. Odour judge scores were significantly associated with Halimeter^® (r = 0.55; P < 0.001), as well as the OK to Kiss test (r = 0.52; P < 0.001). However, neither gingival index, plaque index nor probing depth was significantly associated with odour judge scores or Halimeter^® scores. Logistic regression analysis showed that both Halimeter^® and OK to Kiss scores factored significantly (P = 0.005 and 0.018, respectively, odds ratios 14.9 and 2.7, respectively) in predicting the severity of oral malodour. Results suggest that in the population studied, periodontal health and oral malodour are not associated with one another.