Bacterial byproducts and volatile sulfur compounds(VSC) have been found to be the leading intra-oral agents, specifically, the byproducts of gram negative anaerobic bacteria have been implicated as primary factors of halitosis in patients presenting with periodontal disease. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between periodontal treatment and the subsequent reduction in the level of halitosis.

Forty-three subjects presenting with periodontal disease were examined before periodontal treatment, one week after treatment, one month after treatment, and finally, two months after treatment, using a portable sulfide monitoring Halimeter® to measure the VSC concentrations at the prescribed intervals.

The results of the study were as follows:

1. Significant decreases in the mean VSC concentration were observed at the one week, one month, and two month post-op intervals relative to the pre-op measurement. (p<0.05)

2. Significant decreases in the mean VSC concentration were observed in subjects after completion of flap operations. Significant decreases in the mean VSC concentration were observed at the one and two month post-flap operation measurement relative to the VSC concentration at one week (p<0.05), but no significant differences between the one month and two month VSC concentrations were found. (p<0.05)

3. Significant decreases in the mean VSC concentration were observed in subjects after completion of subgingival curettage (p<0.05). Significant decreases were found between the one week and one month measurements and between the one month and two month measurements, but significant differences were not observed between the one week and two month measurements. (p<0.05)

The results of this study show significant decreases in VSC concentration in test subjects after periodontal treatment. It can be inferred from the results above, that periodontal disease is a significant contributing factor of halitosis, and that treatment of periodontal disease can been an effective means of reducing VSC concentration in patients presenting with halitosis concurrent with periodontal disease.