[The relationship between two halitosis diagnostic methods: organoleptic test and VSCs measurement by a portable sulfide detector].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relationship between organoleptic (OR) scores and volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) values measured by a portable sulfide detector (Halimeter).


METHODS
Eighty-six subjects were included into the study. The intensity of halitosis was evaluated by two examiners who had been trained to perform this procedure. A portable sulfide detector (Halimeter) was used to examine the values of VSCs in oral cavity. Spearman analysis was used to examine the relationship between the average value of organoleptic scores and VSCs levels.


RESULTS
The Kappa value between the two examiners was 0.568, P < 0.01. The correlation coefficient between the average values of organoleptic scores and VSCs levels (including maximum and steady values) was 0.538 and 0.546, P < 0.01, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The organoleptic scores were significantly related to VSCs values. It is suggested that Halimeter could be an assistant instrument to diagnose halitosis.
Chen
Xi
X
Department of Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, School of Medicine, Shaughai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China.
Ye
Wei
W
Feng
Xi-ping
XP
D001944:Breath Tests / Q000379:methods*; D006209:Halitosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D009055:Mouth; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology*; D013440:Sulfides / Q000032:analysis; D013457:Sulfur Compounds / Q000032:analysis*
D013440:Sulfides; D013457:Sulfur Compounds