The study tests the efficiency of some commercial devices designed for determining the presence of oral halitosis. 80 subjects were investigated through organoleptic methods and also by the use of a device similar to the Halimeter. The patients were non-smokers (as the device employed is very sensitive to tobacco smoke), suffering from no general diseases that might involve, among others, halitosis. Measurements followed a strict testing algorithm. Analysis of the obtained values evidenced the efficiency of such an apparatus for a correct diagnosis of malodoured breath. A positive, statistically significant correlation was established between organoleptic practitioner measurements and those given by the device. As to the self-diagnosis measurements, no correlation could be established between the measurements on the device and the organoleptic practitioner values. The halimeter-like device method is objective, reliable and reproducible. This type of device is portable, accessible if the measuring protocol is observed, so that it can be successfully used by the dentist to diagnose halitosis in current practice, at a very low price.
Keywords:- correlation
- halimeter like device
- halitosis
- organoleptic