Olfactory Function and Oral Malodor in Periodontitis Before and After Periodontal Therapy

This prospective cohort study investigated the relationship between oral malodor and olfactory function in adults with generalized periodontitis. A total of 101 patients were evaluated before and after routine nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Volatile sulfur compound (VSC) levels and psychophysical olfactory performance using the Sniffin' Sticks test (TDI score) were measured at baseline and one week after completion of three sessions of scaling and root planing (SRP). The study aimed to determine whether reduction of oral inflammation and halitosis is associated with improvement in olfactory performance.

Inclusion Criteria: * Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-55 years * Diagnosis of generalized periodontitis * Complaint of halitosis * At least 15 natural teeth Exclusion Criteria: * Self-reported smell loss or change within 2 weeks prior to baseline * Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drug use for more than 7 days within the previous 6 weeks * Presence of upper respiratory tract infection * Unrestored advanced dental caries * History of COVID-19 infection * Pregnancy Smoking was not an exclusion criterion.