• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.5-11
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• 2024

Halitosis is defined as a nasty odor emanating through the mouth and is primarily related to the enhanced concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). VSC measurements have been commonly used for experimental comparison and clinical diagnosis. As quantitative methods for comparative analyses of oral malodor, gas chromatography devices have been most commonly used to quickly and easily determine the concentration of several gas components of VSCs, which are agents primarily responsible for halitosis. The concentrations of VSCs fluctuate dynamically depending on contributing factors, including various oral/systemic conditions, intake of medicine and food/drink, oral hygiene, and even routine daily activities. Therefore, the exact analysis of VSCs requires the appropriate standardization of not only exact measurement techniques but also participant conditioning with scientific considerations. Thus, this paper describes the experimental standardizations commonly recommended in previous literature and their scientific background.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.35-40
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• 2014

Halitosis is caused by consumption of certain foods or drinks and production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) by periodontopathogens. VSCs-related halitosis is not easily removed using mechanical or chemical therapies such as dental floss, plaque control and mouth rinse. Lactobacillus are known to be probiotics and stimulate immune systems of human. Furthermore, L. casei ATCC 334 and L. rhamnosus GG have an effect on protection of dental caries in vitro studies. The aim of this study was to investigate effect of Lactobacillus on halitosis by Fusobacterium nucleatum- and Porphyromonas gingivalis-producing VSCs and to analyze inhibitory mechanism. The periodontopathogens were cultivated in the presence or the absence Lactobacillus, and the level of VSCs was measured by gas chromatograph. For analysis of inhibitory mechanisms, the susceptibility assay of the spent culture medium of Lactobacillus against F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis was investigated. Also, the spent culture medium of Lactobacillus and periodontopathogens were mixed, and the emission of VSCs from the spent culture medium was measured by gas chromatograph. L. casei and L. rhamnosus significantly reduced production of VSCs. L. casei and L. rhamnosus exhibited strong antibacterial activity against F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis. The spent culture medium of L. casei inhibited to emit gaseous hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfide from the spent culture medium of periodontopathogens. However, the spent medium of L. rhamnosus repressed only dimethyl sulfide. L. casei ATCC 334 may improve halitosis by growth inhibition of periodontopathogens and reduction of VSCs emission.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.125-133
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• 2024

Gas chromatography (GC) separation technology and metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) gas sensors have been integrated for the effective analysis of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) such as H₂S, CH₃SH, (CH₃)₂S, and (CH₃)₂S₂. The separation and detection characteristics of the GC/MOS system using diluted standard gases were investigated for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of VSCs. The typical concentrations of the standard gases were 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 ppm. The GC/MOS system successfully separated H₂S, CH₃SH, (CH₃)₂S, and (CH₃)₂S₂ using a celite-filled column. The reproducibility of the retention time measurements was at a 3% relative standard deviation level, and the correlation coefficient (R²) for the VSC concentration was greater than 0.99. In addition, the chromatograms of single and mixed gases were almost identical.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2000

The purpose of this study is to investigate effects of several zinc solutions including Artemisia asiatica-containing zinc solution on concentration of oral volatile sulfur compounds(VSCs). We determined the VSCs concentration of breath of human subjects before and after use of zinc solutions(O.25% $ZnF_2$ Artemisia asiatica-containing 0.25% $ZnCl_2$ and Artemisia asiatica-containing 0.25% $ZnCl_2$ solutions) The results were as follows : 1. 0.25% $ZnCl_2$ solution was more effective than 0.25% $ZnF_2$ solution in reducing the concentration of oral VSCs and the maintenance duration of effectiveness. 2. Artemisia asiatica-containing 0.25% $ZnCl_2$ solution was more effective than Artemisia asiatica-containing 0.25% $ZnF_2$ solution in reducing the concentration of oral VSCs and the maintenance duration of effectiveness. 3. Artemisia asiatica-containing 0.25% $ZnF_2$ solution and 0.25% $ZnF_2$ solution showed no significant difference in reducing the concentration of oral VSCs and the maintenance duration of effectiveness but, Artemisia asiatica-containing 0.25% $ZnF_2$ solution was slightly more effective. 4. Artemisia asiatica-containing 0.25% $ZnCl_2$ solution and 0.25% $ZnCl_2$ solution showed no significant difference in reducing the concentration of oral VSCs and the maintenance duration of effectiveness but, Artemisia asiatica-containing 0.25% $ZnF_2$ solution was slightly more effective.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.63-68
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the sex and age differences in the Korean oral malodor patients. Methods: Subjects were the patients with oral malodor (male, 2,239; female, 3,496) visited the Department of Oral Medicine, Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital from January 2007 to December 2012 were recruited to this study and measured the volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in the oral cavity with Halimeter. Results: There were slightly more female than male (female : male=3 : 2), and the mean values of Halimeter result were 65.79 ppb (female) and 79.94 ppb (male), which was more higher in male. Total patients showed normal age distribution in both gender, and the peak was the age of 26-35 in female, the age of 36-45 in male. The percentages of pseudo-halitosis were 74.7% in female and 69.3% in male, which was more higher in female. Conclusions: Therefore, it was revealed that women are more likely to have oral malodor than men, and there was a difference in the largest age group between men and women. Also women had more pseudo-halitosis patient than men.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.532-545
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• 2014

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of Korean medical treatments such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and electroacupuncture by using the portable gas chromatograph OralChroma$^{TM}$ (Abimedical, Japan) in halitosis patients. Methods: We surveyed 30 halitosis patients who had visited the Oral Diseases Clinic in the Korean Medical Hospital of Kyunghee University from October, 2013 to November, 2014. Before starting Korean medical treatment, the subjects were evaluated on sociodemographic characteristics, severity of discomfort using visual analogue scale (VAS), unstimulated salivary flow rate (USFR), and halitosis associated life-quality test (HALT) score. To evaluate the therapeutic effect, we measured the volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in breath by using OralChroma$^{TM}$ before and after 3 weeks treatment. Results: The concentration of total VSCs measured by OralChroma$^{TM}$ significantly decreased (p=0.001). Furthermore, the level of hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan also significantly decreased (p<0.05). However, although the level of dimethyl sulfide decreased as well, there was no significance(p>0.05). Conclusions: Korean medical treatment was effective in treating halitosis by decreasing VSCs. Further study, with well-designed randomized controlled trials with larger number of cases will be needed in the future.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.122-131
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• 2010

This clinical study was performed to evaluate whether supplementation of proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapy with Korean red ginseng can enhance Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication and reduce levels of halitosis-associated volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in the stomach. Seventy-six patients were randomized into an eradication regimen-only group (n=45) or an eradication regimen plus 10 weeks of Korean red ginseng supplementation group (n=31). The eradication regimen consisted of PPI b.i.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d., and amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d.. for seven days. Korean red ginseng supplementation commenced on the last day of the eradication regimen. $^{13}C$-urea breath test and halimeter measurements were performed prior to protocol repetition. By intention-to-treat analysis, the H. pylori eradication rate in the Korean red ginseng group (77.4%, 24 of 31) was higher than that in the control group (45.0%, 26 of 45). However, by per protocol analysis, the eradication rate in the Korean red ginseng group was significantly higher than that in the control group (92.3%, 24/26 vs. 69.4%, 26/38; p<0.05). H. pylori infection was significantly associated with increased VSC levels. However, VSC levels decreased significantly in the Korean red ginseng group (p<0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of triple therapy with Korean red ginseng increased the H. pylori eradication rate and led to significant reductions in VSC levels, suggesting the usefulness of this substance in combating H. pylori infection.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Dental Administration
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.44-49
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• 2019

Halitosis is primarily caused by oral conditions. In particular, volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) are mainly responsible for intra-oral halitosis. They are closely associated with the water temperature. In this study, we investigated the association between halitosis and water temperature for oral rinse (10℃, 30℃, and 45℃) using the BB checker and oral chroma. The application of BB checker on an empty stomach revealed that halitosis decreased with the use of tongue cleaners (p=0.001) and toothpastes (p=0.002). Furthermore, halitosis decreased after drinking milk (VSCs-induced food intake) (p=0.000). There were no significant differences in the results of oral chroma. Finally, we measured halitosis on an empty stomach and after drinking milk. The BB checker showed increased halitosis after drinking milk (p<0.001). The oral chroma showed decreased hydrogen sulfide (p<0.001) and increased methyl mercaptan (p=0.009) and dimethyl sulfide (p=0.002) after drinking milk. In conclusion, halitosis cannot be modulated using water temperature for oral rinse. The findings of this study cannot be generalized because of the small sample size and the limits of age and sex. Further studies are required to extensively analyze both sexes and various age groups, with more number of subjects.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.311-320
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• 2019

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a morbific agent in periodontitis and halitosis. Egg yolk antibody (IgY) was obtained from egg yolks from chickens stimulated with F. nucleatum. This study was to assess the effectiveness of IgY on periodontitis and halitosis caused by F. nucleatum in vitro and in vivo. The growth of F. nucleatum was inhibited (p <0.05) by different concentrations of IgY in vitro and the results of a Halimeter show volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) were reduced to $904{\pm}57ppb$ at a concentration 40 mg/ml of IgY. The changes of fatty acids of F. nucleatum were determined using GC-MS. The scores for odor index of rat saliva were decreased. The major constituent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including short-chain acids decreased 46.2% in 10 mg/ml IgY, ammonia decreased 70% in 40 mg/ml IgY, while aldehydes and olefine ketones were almost unchanged. The ELISA assay revealed that IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$ were decreased after 4 weeks' IgY treatment. Morphometric (X-ray) and histological analyses (HE) showed that IgY reduced alveolar bone loss and collagen fibers became orderly in rat models. As a result, IgY may have the potential to treat periodontitis and halitosis.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.91-103
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• 2023

Objectives: This case study was conducted to assess changes in the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) of older adults following home oral health care interventions based on community care. Methods: The participants were three elderly people with the halitosis. An oral health intervention programs including oral massage, oral hygiene care, and oral muscle training strenghtening were conducted for 12 weeks. Halitosis was measured using an oral malodor-checking device. Results: The program showed positive effects on changes in halitosis. The concentration of VSCs of the first case decreased rapidly from 44.5 Refres Oral Volume (ROV) on pre-test to 15.5 ROV on the first post-test. In the second case, the score decreased from 14.5 ROV on pre-test to 12 ROV on 2nd post-test. In the third case, the score decreased slightly from 6.5 ROV on pre-test to 6 ROV on the first post-test. Conclusions: Oral health care interventions contributed to decreasing the concentration of VSCs and improving the quality of life of older adults. The active promotion and customization of these programs are required.