Olfactory Function and Oral Malodor in Periodontitis Before and After Periodontal Therapy

NCT07424300 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2024/08-03
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 101
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This prospective cohort study investigated the relationship between oral malodor and olfactory function in adults with generalized periodontitis. A total of 101 patients were evaluated before and after routine nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Volatile sulfur compound (VSC) levels and psychophysical olfactory performance using the Sniffin' Sticks test (TDI score) were measured at baseline and one week after completion of three sessions of scaling and root planing (SRP). The study aimed to determine whether reduction of oral inflammation and halitosis is associated with improvement in olfactory performance.

Conditions

Periodontitis; Olfactory Dysfunction; Halitosis

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Change in Total TDI Score

  Change in psychophysical olfactory performance measured by the Sniffin' Sticks Test (Threshold-Discrimination-Identification composite score). The Sniffin' Sticks Test total TDI score ranges from 1 to 48, calculated as the sum of: * Odor Threshold (1-16). * Odor Discrimination (0-16). * Odor Identification (0-16). Higher scores indicate better olfactory function.

  Baseline to 1 week after completion of third SRP session (approximately 4 weeks total)

• Change in Total Volatile Sulfur Compound (tVSC) Levels

  Change in total volatile sulfur compound (tVSC) concentration measured using the OralChroma portable gas chromatograph device. tVSC levels are reported in parts per billion (ppb). Higher values indicate greater halitosis severity (worse outcome).

  Baseline to 1 week after completion of third SRP session

Study Arms (1)

Generalized Periodontitis Patients With Halitosis

Adults aged 18-55 years diagnosed with generalized periodontitis and presenting with halitosis. Participants received routine nonsurgical periodontal therapy and were evaluated for olfactory function and volatile sulfur compound levels at baseline and after completion of therapy.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 55 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consisted of adults aged 18-55 years diagnosed with generalized periodontitis and presenting with complaints of halitosis who sought care at the Batman University Faculty of Dentistry Clinical Application Center. A total of 150 patients were screened, and 101 individuals who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this prospective cohort study.

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18-55 years
• Diagnosis of generalized periodontitis
• Complaint of halitosis
• At least 15 natural teeth

You may not qualify if:

• Self-reported smell loss or change within 2 weeks prior to baseline
• Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drug use for more than 7 days within the previous 6 weeks
• Presence of upper respiratory tract infection
• Unrestored advanced dental caries
• History of COVID-19 infection
• Pregnancy

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Batman University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Batman University

Merkez, Batman, 72040, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Periodontitis; Halitosis

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Periodontal Diseases; Mouth Diseases; Stomatognathic Diseases; Signs and Symptoms, Digestive; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• Mustafa Baran, Asst. Prof.

  Batman University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 13, 2026
• First Posted: February 20, 2026
• Study Start: December 3, 2024
• Primary Completion: March 20, 2025
• Study Completion: March 20, 2025
• Last Updated: February 25, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)