{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Alternative therapies in controlling oral malodour: a systematic review.
{Author}: Wylleman A;Vuylsteke F;Dekeyser C;Teughels W;Quirynen M;Laleman I;
{Journal}: J Breath Res
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: Nov 2020 23
{Factor}: 4.538
{DOI}: 10.1088/1752-7163/abcd2b
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>Is there a role for alternative therapies in controlling intra-oral halitosis? Treatments other than tongue cleaning and anti-halitosis products containing zinc, chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride were considered as alternative therapies.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Four databases were searched (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library). Inclusion criteria were: examination of alternative halitosis therapies, study population with oral malodour, a (negative or positive) control group and evaluation of the breath odour via organoleptic and/or instrumental assessment. Data were extracted for descriptive analysis.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The screening of 7656 titles led to the inclusion of 26 articles. Analysis showed heterogeneity concerning the population of interest (from cysteine-induced to genuine halitosis), the examined treatment and the reported outcomes. This made a meta-analysis impossible. Essential oils, fluoride containing products and herbal substances were the most studied. Results varied enormously and none of the active ingredients had an unambiguous positive effect on the malodour. The risk of bias was assessed as high in all articles.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Given the fact that little evidence was found for each of the investigated treatments, it could be concluded that there is currently insufficient evidence that alternative therapies are of added value in the treatment of halitosis.