Effect of Oral Health and Toothbrushing Performance on Halitosis among People with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

Background: Halitosis is considered unpleasant in social settings, including among family members and close friends. The level of halitosis acts as a negative factor in personal relationships and social activities and causes psychological and emotional problems such as discouragement by affecting isolation, and a sense of pride. We aimed to analyze the factors affecting halitosis, focusing on oral health and toothbrushing performance of people with intellectual disabilities. Methods: Study participants were 20 people with intellectual disabilities residing in a residential care facility. We assessed halitosis level using a 6-point Likert scale. We assessed oral pain using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale. Debris and calculus level was assessed with the simplified oral hygiene index. The assessment of toothbrushing performance level performed using the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index; performance time was measured with a stopwatch. Results: There was a statistically significant correlation between the level of halitosis and calculus (+), and toothbrushing performance level (−). As a result of casual relationship analysis, toothbrushing performance (−) was the only effect factor influencing halitosis level. Conclusions: To manage the halitosis level of people with intellectual disabilities, education and training for toothbrushing performance, as well as comprehensive assessment of performance are needed. Also, active interventions and approaches should be used to teach and maintain performance as a habit.