What Is the Role of Oral Factors in Halitosis in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

Background: Prevalence of Halitosis includes a variety of 22 up to 50% in different societies. There have been reports of remarkable improvements in Halitosis after Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral factors and halitosis in patients suffering from GERD. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 98 patients (45 females and 53 females) with mean age of 19.4 years whose gastroesophageal reflux was diagnosed by gastroenterologist. Halitosis was detected by organoleptic method. Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) was utilized to record the dental status. Oral hygiene was evaluated using the Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), Debries Index (DI), Calculus Index (CI), and coated tongue. Data were analyzed by Spearman and Pearson correlation tests. Results: There was not a significant relationship between halitosis and DMFT, OHI-S, and debris index and calculus index, and coated tongue (p>0.01). Also, there was a direct and significant relationship between DI and CI (p<0.01). Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, there is no relationship between oral factors (debris index, calculus index, oral hygiene index, and DMFT) and halitosis in patients with GERD. Therefore, the presence of halitosis might be attributed to the presence of GERD in these patients.