Knowledge Attitude and Practice on Halitosis Among Dental Students and its Management

Halitosis originates from an oral or a non-oral source. It is formed by volatile compounds that are formed due to pathological and non-pathological reasons. Oral malodours is very common in society and it was stated that more than 50% of the general population have halitosis. Poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, tongue coat, food impaction, unclean dentures, faulty restorations, oral carcinomas, and throat infections contributed to 90% of the factors for halitosis. A survey was conducted amongst the undergraduate students in a University hospital. A total of 95 responses were obtained from the students. Results were analysed and compared using the SPSS Statistical Software by doing both the frequency tests and correlation tests. This study showed that 48.42 % of the participants found that halitosis was very common throughout their clinical practices. Based on their knowledge of the main reason for halitosis, 47.37 % of the students agreed that poor oral hygiene was the main factor. 42.11% participants were aware that volatile compounds contribute to halitosis. In regard to their clinical practice, 42.11% of their methods of preventing halitosis are by practising good oral hygiene. Overall, 86.32 % of the participants agreed that more knowledge about halitosis and its effective management is necessary in the future.