Olfactory Function and Oral Malodor in Periodontitis Before and After Periodontal Therapy

Batman University101 enrolled

Overview

This prospective cohort study investigated the relationship between oral malodor and olfactory function in adults with generalized periodontitis. A total of 101 patients were evaluated before and after routine nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Volatile sulfur compound (VSC) levels and psychophysical olfactory performance using the Sniffin' Sticks test (TDI score) were measured at baseline and one week after completion of three sessions of scaling and root planing (SRP). The study aimed to determine whether reduction of oral inflammation and halitosis is associated with improvement in olfactory performance.

Generalized periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with increased production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), contributing to halitosis. Elevated intraoral malodor may interfere with olfactory perception through masking effects and inflammatory mechanisms. Participants diagnosed with generalized periodontitis and complaining of halitosis underwent routine nonsurgical periodontal therapy consisting of three sessions of scaling and root planing performed at one-week intervals. Olfactory function (threshold, discrimination, identification; total TDI score) and total VSC concentrations were assessed at baseline (prior to first session) and one week after completion of the third session. The study evaluated changes in chemosensory function and halitosis parameters following periodontal therapy and analyzed correlations between baseline VSC levels and olfactory performance.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

101

Conditions

Periodontitis Olfactory Dysfunction Halitosis

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 55 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-55 years * Diagnosis of generalized periodontitis * Complaint of halitosis * At least 15 natural teeth Exclusion Criteria: * Self-reported smell loss or change within 2 weeks prior to baseline * Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drug use for more than 7 days within the previous 6 weeks * Presence of upper respiratory tract infection * Unrestored advanced dental caries * History of COVID-19 infection * Pregnancy Smoking was not an exclusion criterion.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Total TDI Score

Change in psychophysical olfactory performance measured by the Sniffin' Sticks Test (Threshold-Discrimination-Identification composite score). The Sniffin' Sticks Test total TDI score ranges from 1 to 48, calculated as the sum of: * Odor Threshold (1-16). * Odor Discrimination (0-16). * Odor Identification (0-16). Higher scores indicate better olfactory function.

Time frame: Baseline to 1 week after completion of third SRP session (approximately 4 weeks total)

Change in Total Volatile Sulfur Compound (tVSC) Levels

Change in total volatile sulfur compound (tVSC) concentration measured using the OralChroma portable gas chromatograph device. tVSC levels are reported in parts per billion (ppb). Higher values indicate greater halitosis severity (worse outcome).

Time frame: Baseline to 1 week after completion of third SRP session