Reliability of clinical parameters for predicting the outcome of oral malodor treatment.

We conducted the present study to determine which clinical parameters for diagnosing halitosis are most reliable in the development of an accurate prognosis for oral malodor treatment. Clinical evaluation included a questionnaire, oral examination and volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) measurement, and organoleptic test (OLT) at baseline. Ninety-two patients classified with oral pathologic halitosis were treated in a similar manner. Improved treatment outcome was defined as < 0.25 ppm of total VSC, < or = 2 OLT score, and < 30 on the "sad feeling" scale as subjective stress level by oral malodor 6 months after baseline. Thirty-four patients demonstrated improvement due to the treatment. In a multiple logistic model, pocket depth, OLT score, intra-oral discomfort, and self-perception of oral malodor at baseline displayed significant association with "not improved outcome". These results suggest that malodor- and periodontal-disease-related parameters and self-estimation of malodor at baseline are effective for prediction of outcome.