Evaluation of the Stability of Sulfur Volatile Compounds From Exhaled Air for Halitosis Diagnosis

Halitosis or bad breath is a problem affecting 30% of the world's population. There are many causes, and oral pathologies, including periodontitis, are the main etiology. In order to make a diagnosis, a clinical interview is necessary to distinguish true halitosis from psychological halitosis. In addition, a measurement of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), the main molecules involved in bad breath, is necessary. This is done during the consultation by measuring the concentration of VSCs in exhaled air. However, few private practices or hospitals have the necessary equipment to measure VSC. As a result, patients are often obliged to travel long distances to obtain a consultation including this specific VSC analysis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the stability of VSC values obtained in gaseous samples up to 7 days after sampling, in order to assess the clinical relevance of analyzing samples at a distance from sampling. The clinical aim is to determine whether self-sampling by the patient at home and extemporaneous analysis could be considered in the diagnosis of halitosis.