Halitosis Practice Essentials Epidemiology Etiology Assignment

Assignment Task

Background

Introduction

Unpleasant breath that comes from the mouth during breathing and speaking is known as halitosis or oral malodor. (Bernadi et al. 2019; Cecchine et al,2018)

Nearly 85–90% of halitosis instances have oral causes as their root cause, which frequently include mucosal ulcerations, deep carious lesions, food impactions, poor oral hygiene, oral infections, and periodontitis and pericoronitis. (Cortelli, Barbosa & Westphal, 2008). 9% of the cause are non-oral, while the remaining 10% are brought on by food or medication. (Scully, Porter & Greenman, 1994)

Knowledge of halitosis is important because of the negative effects it has on an individual’s psychological and social aspects of life.Oral malodor has been linked to psychiatric symptoms like phobias, sadness, excessive worry, and behavioral changes.It also has a negative effect on social interactions, including careers, and self-confidence, emotional stress, and self-esteem. (Coil, Yaegaki, Matsuo, & Miyazaki, 2002)

This undesirable condition affects people all around the world irrespective of age, social status, race or gender. (Tsurth et al. 2017). Some studies have shown that about 30% to 50% of the population has experienced the problem of halitosis (Cortelli, Barbosa & Westpahal,2008).The impact of it is strong among younger people(Cherreka, 2001). However, some studies have shown that females were more anxious about it than men. (Settineri et al., 2010)

Some bad breaths are however, considered to be somewhat normal. An example is morning mouth which is as a result of changes in the conditions of the mouth during sleep (Velde et. al, 2007)

It is sometimes discovered by the dental practitioner or primary care clinician during a routine examination and close relations and the person may have been unaware (Loesche & Kazor, 2002). Others also become away through the attitude of others and self-consciousness (Iwakura et al 1994). Frequent chewing of gums, mints and mouth rinses are used to overcome the problem (Donaldson et. al, 2007). Currently, the three methods available to measure halitosis are gas chromatography, sulfide monitoring, and organoleptic testing. Despite its many shortcomings, the organoleptic assessment method is the gold standard for evaluating halitosis. (Greenman et. al, 2004)

Despite these challenges, there is limited information on halitosis in Ghana and other impoverished countries.

Among the few researches is a study conducted in la, a suburb of Accra, Ghana for people between the ages of 14 to 45, the prevalence of self-perceived halitosis among the study population of 324 participants was 18% (Tormeti et. al). He concluded that, many people who live in La are concerned about halitosis. Education in this area is crucial for raising awareness and encouraging better oral health habits. (Tormeti et. al)

Research conducted on self-perceived halitosis and oral hygiene habits among undergraduate dental students had 44.1% of men and 45.32% of women reporting to have halitosis in their own perception. (Ashwath, Vijayalakshmi & Malini, 2014). The entire public should be encouraged to recognize halitosis as a distinct condition, and everyone should have access to effective treatment options.. (Ashwath, Vijayalakshmi & Malini, 2014).

According to Mehta et al, (2017), Halitosis and oral hygiene practices are not well understood by the youthful population. Additionally, pupils mistakenly believe that halitosis has a dental origin since they are ignorant of the various etiological variables that contribute to it. To raise awareness of halitosis, dental screenings and camps should be held.(Mehta et al., 2017). Thus, the objective of this project is to evaluate students' knowledge of and attitudes regarding self-perceived halitosis at a university of health and allied sciences.

Problem Statement

Knowledge on halitosis, its causes and effects has evidently been poor over the years in developing countries especially in Ghana.

There have been national policies, strategies, and interventions such as the establishment of the dental school as a component of the Ghana Medical School in 1974 to train dental professionals and its incorporation by other institutions of higher learning in the nation as well as the sporadic dental outreach programs organized by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have sought to improve knowledge on oral health issues, of which halitosis is inclusive. Despite these efforts, research from many sections of the nation and the globe reveals that halitosis knowledge is still lacking. Many people who live in La, a suburb of Accra, are concerned about halitosis. Education in this area is crucial for raising awareness and encouraging better oral health habits. (Tormeti et. al).

Many things, such as mouthwash and chewing gum, may temporarily mask unpleasant odors, preventing people from going to the dentist for a permanent solution.Oral malodor can very seldom have serious medical repercussions because there are so many illnesses that raise the chance of developing it. (Suarez, Springfeild, Furne & Levitt,1999). As a result, it is important to evaluate students' understanding of and attitudes about self-perceived halitosis at universities of health and associated sciences.

Justification

Halitosis has received little attention in the numerous studies done in the area of oral health. . Due to a lack of study in the field, it has been difficult to create sustainable solutions in Ghana to reduce the prevalence of halitosis and the detrimental effects it has on the populace. This study's objective is to assess students' attitudes and understanding about self-perceived halitosis at the University of Health and Allied Sciences Understanding halitosis, its causes, effects, and methods for diagnosing and treating it will help people experience less halitosis overall. The research will advance our understanding of halitosis in Ghana.

Main Aim

To assess knowledge and attitude of students towards self-perceived halitosis.

Specific Objectives.

1. To evaluate the students understanding of halitosis

2. To determine the causes and factors associated with halitosis

3. To determine the behavior of students towards people with halitosis.

4. To evaluate the effects of halitosis on the individual and others

5. to determine treatment for halitosis.

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