Association and awareness on Covid associated halitosis among dental students- a survey

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Halitosis may be a reflective condition for systemic insults like respiratory, and gastrointestinal pathologies which will give salivary characteristics and tongue dorsum susceptibility for hosting anaerobic microorganisms. The high prevalence of halitosis globally requires a multidisciplinary approach for its diagnosis, assessment and treatment to reduce halitosis.During the COVID period ,people affected by the COVID and in the older age people have several oral problems and halitosis. The aim of this is to create  awareness among the people about bad breath during COVID and also aimed at investigating the effect of mouth breathing on dental,  oral health status and halitosis.

MATERIALS AND METHOD :

This study was about bad breath during COVID pandemic period. A self-administered questionnaire concerning various aspects of bad breath  was distributed among 113 dental students of Saveetha University ,Chennai. A questionnaire based survey in google forms circulated within the dental students of Saveetha University ,Chennai. Responses of about 113  participants were received and the data was recorded . Statistical analysis was done  . The data was  tabulated. The data was analysed using SPSS software (version 23) and the chi-square test was done. The level of significant difference was p<0.05. The study was approved by SRB of  Saveetha Dental College.

RESULT :

In our study, the age group between 18-19 were more aware of halitosis during COVID.Male were more aware of halitosis and undergraduate students were more aware about halitosis. About 64.6% of people think that bad breath is common for all diseases and the p  value is 0.35. About 63.7% of people are aware of the term halitosis and 36.3% of people are not aware of halitosis and the p value is 0.32. About 83.3% of people think that breathing through the mouth causes dental caries and 17.7% responded No and the p value is 0.057.

CONCLUSION :

The present study offers  an opportunity of diagnosing the origin of halitosis and to create awareness among the people  about oral complications. Majority of people think that bad breath is common for all diseases.In our study, we can see the complications of halitosis and create awareness among the people.