Özet:

Background: To the best our knowledge there is no study evaluating relationship between only body mass index (BMI) and halitosis. The aim of our study is to examine whether there is a relationship between BMI and halitosis. Material-Methods: For the study population, 200 undergraduate students in the late adolescent period (17-21 years) were evaluated. After the students completed a questionnaire individuals with good oral hygiene habits (i.e. regular tooth brushing, no caries or filled teeth, no gum bleeding, no systemic diseases, and no drug use) were included in the study. After all the criteria were applied, 61 participants (Male:23, Female:38) were found suitable for the study and BMI of the participants was calculated. Halitosis was determined using organoleptic assessment and a portable sulfur monitor. T-test and simple linear regression model was used for statistical analysis. Results: The average BMI value was 21.71±3.09 for all participants. Linear regression analysis showed that participants’ organoleptic value increases by 0.008 times for each unit increase of BMI, however, the relationship was found not statistically significant (p= 0.829). A one unit increase of BMI value increases the halimeter measurements value by 0.573 times, but this result was not statistically significant (p= 0.893). Conclusion: We conclude that halitosis is independent of high BMI in itself. However, high BMI may be still a risk factor for halitosis due to problems associated with high BMI and related to halitosis, such as systemic diseases, increased risk of periodontitis, xerostomia, etc.