Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between organoleptic (OR) scores and volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) values measured by a portable sulfide detector (Halimeter).
Methods: Eighty-six subjects were included into the study. The intensity of halitosis was evaluated by two examiners who had been trained to perform this procedure. A portable sulfide detector (Halimeter) was used to examine the values of VSCs in oral cavity. Spearman analysis was used to examine the relationship between the average value of organoleptic scores and VSCs levels.
Results: The Kappa value between the two examiners was 0.568, P < 0.01. The correlation coefficient between the average values of organoleptic scores and VSCs levels (including maximum and steady values) was 0.538 and 0.546, P < 0.01, respectively.
Conclusions: The organoleptic scores were significantly related to VSCs values. It is suggested that Halimeter could be an assistant instrument to diagnose halitosis.