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Acta stomatologica Croatica : International journal of oral sciences and dental medicine, Vol. 47 No. 2, 2013.

Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.15644/asc47/2/5

Self-Reported Halitosis among Medical, Dental and Health Science Undergraduate Students at the University Sains Malaysia

Mon Mon Tin-Oo ; School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
Teh Yi Ying ; School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
Norkhafizah Saddki ; School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
Shani Ann Mani ; School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Full text: croatian pdf 285 Kb

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Full text: english pdf 285 Kb

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Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of self-reported halitosis and its associated factors among undergraduate students at the Universiti Sains Malaysia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a self-administered questionnaire, assessing self-reported halitosis and its associated factors, was administered to 300 undergraduate students, 100 per group in the dental, medical and health sciences courses. Results: The mean age of the students was 21.7 years (SD 1.75), and 202 (67.3%) were female. Self-reported halitosis by hand-on-mouth technique was reported by 13.0% of the students, with 9.3% of students reporting that bad breath interfered with their social life.
Most students (79.7%) experienced their worst breath after waking up. Dental students were less likely to report halitosis than medical and health sciences students (non-dental students) (OR = 0.34, CI = 0.12, 0.95). Students who used mouthwash regularly and brushed their tongues were also less likely to report halitosis. However, the prevalence of halitosis was higher among students with gingival bleeding and tongue coating than among those without. Conclusion: Halitosis is more common among non-dental than among dental students. Factors associated with halitosis include gingival bleeding and tongue coating. Regular use of mouthwash and tongue brushing
were beneficial in preventing halitosis. Professional care and motivation in the use of oral hygiene aids are recommended for students.

Keywords

Halitosis; Students, Health Occupations; Malaysia

Hrčak ID:

104981

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/104981

Publication date:

4.7.2013.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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