title: Evaluation of oral and extra-oral factors predisposing to delusional halitosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated the role of patients' associated oral and extra-oral factors, as well as previous dental treatment, as possible predisposing (triggering) factors in the development delusional halitosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-six patients diagnosed of delusional halitosis, over a consecutive period of 2 years (2003-2004) were selected for this study. Diagnosis was based on: use of standard halitosis questionnaire (to confirm the presence of psychological component) modified to obtain data on oral and extra-oral factors, as well as previous dental treatment linked by patients as cause of oral malodour; clinical assessment without objective evidence of oral malodour; absence of reliable third party to confirm patients' claim of oral malodour; and screening with sulphur monitor (RH-17 Series Halimeter, Interscan, Chatsworth, CA) that was within normal range (80-140ppb).
  
  
  RESULTS
  All the 46 patients studied had normal halimeter measurement and no reliable third party to confirm the patients' claim of oral malodour. Twenty-four (52.2%) patients had associated possible predisposing factors. The most common associated factors were bitter taste (25.0%), oral deposits (20.8%), carious tooth (16.7%) and previous tooth extraction (16.7%). Associated factors were divided into oral, extra-oral and dental treatment. Patients' associated oral factors were significantly correlated as predisposing factors for delusional halitosis (p<0.01)
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows significant correlation of patients' associated oral factors as the triggering event, which could predispose those individuals who may have underlying psychosomatic tendencies to developing delusional halitosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral maxillofacial Surgery and Pathology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Akpata
authors.forename: O F
authors.initials: OF
authors.lastname: Omoregie
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Akhigbe
authors.forename: E E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Ehikhamenor