Effect of rapid maxillary expansion on halitosis.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on halitosis.

METHODS: Thirty children (11-15 years old) were randomly divided into RME and control groups. The RME group consisted of 15 children treated with hyrax appliances, and the control group included 15 children without treatment. Halitosis was evaluated with the halimeter and the organoleptic method. Plaque index and gingival index scores were recorded. Acoustic rhinometry was used to measure the nasal volume. Measurements were obtained at 2 times: before RME, and after retention at 4 months. The Wilcoxon signed rank test and the paired t test were used for intragroup comparisons, and the Mann-Whitney U test and the Student t test were used for intergroup comparisons.

RESULTS: Halitosis (halimeter and organoleptic values) decreased significantly in the RME group (P <0.001). Insignificant changes of halitosis were observed in the control group. Intragroup and intergroup comparisons showed no statistically significant differences for the plaque index. Gingival index values were significantly decreased with RME (P ≤0.05). Nasal cavity volume increased significantly in the RME group (P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: RME was shown to lower halitosis values. RME could be a treatment option for patients with maxillary transverse deficiency and halitosis.