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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To find out the association of halitosis in different age groups with oral conditions/oral hygiene maintenance, habits, medical/systematic problems and self-perception METHODOLOGY: A cross section study was conducted at the Dow Dental College, OPD Karachi. Convenience type sampling was used to collect the data of 450 participants. Data collection was done by using self-administered questionnaires, visual examination and palm test. Data was statistically analyzed using SPSS 20.0 computer software. Chi square test was used to detect statistically significant association of halitosis in different age groups with oral hygiene maintenance/oral conditions, habits, systematic conditions and self-perception. RESULTS: Four hundred fifty participants, out which 51% participants were males and 49%, were females with mean age of 34.38+13.368. Statistically significant association was found of halitosis in different age groups with factors such as tongue coated with whitish or yellowish deposits, dry mouth, flossing, mouth breathers, raw onion/ garlic consumption gastrointestinal problems and palm test. CONCLUSION: Mouth breathing, poor oral hygiene and gastro-intestinal problems were found to be significantly associated with halitosis. KEYWORDS:Self-reported halitosis, caries, oral hygiene practices, dental factors, malodour