Knowledge and attitude of Saudi individuals toward self-perceived halitosis

Objectives: The aim of this convenient sample study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of Saudi individuals toward self-perceived halitosis. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey of Saudi adults using an 18-point self-administered questionnaire on self-perception of halitosis was performed. The questionnaire assesses subjects’ awareness and knowledge about possible causes and available treatments of oral malodor. In addition, the influence of halitosis on social relations and level of confidence was also evaluated through this questionnaire. Significant associations between self-perceived oral malodor and various variables using Chi-square test were evaluated. Results: A total of 130 subjects participated (response rate = 72%). The prevalence of self-perceived halitosis was 68.5%. There was a significant association between knowledge about treatment and self-perceived malodor (p = 0.025), among oral hygiene measures teeth brushing was the only measure to show significant association with self-perceived halitosis (p = 0.042). There were significant associations between self-perceived halitosis and subject’s hesitation to talk to other people (p = 0.018), their “uneasy feeling” when someone is nearby (p = 0.002), their avoidance to meet other people (p = 0.032), or their feeling that other people might avoid socializing with them because of their oral malodor (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Improving the patients’ knowledge about causes of oral malodor might reduce their complaints of halitosis. Patients’ complaint from oral malodor can significantly affect their self-confidence and social interaction with others.