Purpose: To evaluate the knowledge of dentists and physicians about the diagnosis and treatment of the patient complaining of halitosis.
Methods: Data were collected from a sample of healthcare professionals (81 dentists and 19 physicians) from the city of João Pessoa, Brazil. A structured questionnaire was used to record the professional knowledge about halitosis: frequency, diagnosis, treatment and predisposing factors.
Results: Physicians and dentists reported overall different responses based on their clinical knowledge and practice: patient’s complaint of halitosis (63% and 38% for physicians and dentists, respectively); halitosis as the main complaint (42% and 23%); perception of halitosis among patients (10% and 67%), professional information to the patient about the halitosis (58% and 89%). Periodontal disease, poor oral hygiene and caries were regarded as the most common causes of halitosis for dentists, but physicians believed that oral cavity changes, sinusitis and reflux disease were the main etiological factors.
Conclusion: The results suggest that there is not a high agreement between dentists and physicians regarding halitosis diagnosis and treatment.