Oral odors in early experimental gingivitis

Abstract

Volatile chemicals were isolated from mouth air and from incubated whole saliva of 5‐matched pairs of male subjects who participated in a 30‐day experimental gingivitis protocol. Endogenous oral chemicals were monitored by GC/MS and GC/FPD during the test period. Malodorous sulfur compounds of mouth air were found to increase quantitatively in subjects with gingivitis as compared to control subjects. Salivary volatile production increased with deterioration in gingival health and, conversely, decreased with maintenance of optimal periodontal condition.