Evaluation of Halitosis in Adult Patients After Treatment With Photodynamic Therapy Associated With Periodontal Treatment: Protocol for a Randomized, Controlled Single Blinded Trial With 3-month Follow up

Halitosis is an unpleasant odor that emanating from the mouth. A recent metanalysis shows worldwide trend towards a rise in halitosis prevalence. Studies show halitosis returns in a week after treatment with photodynamic therapy (PDT). Probably, bacteria residing in the periodontal sulcus could recolonize the dorsum of the tongue. To date, there are no study in adult population that associate halitosis and periodontal treatment with follow-up evaluation. The aim of this randomized, controlled clinical trial was to treat oral halitosis in healthy adults with photodynamic therapy associated with periodontal treatment and follow them up for 3 months. The participants (n=40) with halitosis will be randomized into two groups: G1-treatment with photodynamic therapy (n = 20) or G2-cleaning of the tongue with a tongue scraper (n = 20). Halitosis were evaluated measuring volatile sulfur compounds using gas chromatography After the treatments, a second evaluation will be performed, along with a microbiological analysis (qPCR) for the identification of the bacteria T. denticola. The evaluation of halitosis and the microbiological analysis will be repeated. After that, patients will receive periodontal treatment. The participants will return after 1 week and three months for an additional evaluation. Quality of life will be measured by Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) Comparisons will be made with ANOVA test, with the level of significance of 5 %. This protocol will determine the effectiveness of phototherapy regarding the reduction of halitosis in adults.