Jemds.com Original Research Article J Evolution Med Dent Sci / eISSN - 2278-4802, pISSN - 2278-4748 / Vol. 9 / Issue 45 / Nov. 09, 2020 Page 3367 Prevalence of Self-Perceived Halitosis in Saudi Arabia Waad Saleh Alharbi 1 , Osama Mahmood Felemban 2 , Soulafa Adnan Almazrooa 3 , Lena Saadbaher Elbadawi 4 , Siraj Ahmed Dakhil 5 , Hani Haytham Mawardi 6 1 Department of Dentistry, Ministry of Health, Taif, Saudi Arabia. 2 Department of Paediatric Dentistry, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 3 Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 4 Department of Periodontics, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 5 Department Endodontics, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 6 Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Halitosis is the malodour with an intensity beyond a socially accepted level. It has a major negative effect on individual’s social and professional lives. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-reported halitosis among general population in Saudi Arabia (SA), and investigate the related factors. METHODS This was a cross-sectional, national study on adult population of SA. A validated, self- reported digital questionnaire was distributed which included questions on demographics, general and oral health, and self-perception of halitosis. Data was collected and analysed for significant correlations. RESULTS A total of 2673 participants from all 13 provinces of SA completed the survey. The prevalence of self-reported halitosis was 33.4 %, and 59.9 % have been complaining of halitosis for a long time. Overall, 76.3 % had concerns to communicate and be around people due to halitosis. Periodontal diseases, tongue coating, sinus problems and diabetes were strongly associated with halitosis. In terms of oral hygiene compliance, 43.7 % of participants were likely to brush their teeth twice daily and 55 % would use floss on regular basis. CONCLUSIONS Based on the current data, the prevalence of self-reported halitosis in SA falls within the worldwide average. Factors such as active periodontal disease, mouth dryness and tongue coating were highly association with halitosis. National educational programs for health care providers as well as the public may help in early diagnosis and management. KEY WORDS Halitosis, Genuine Halitosis, Self-Reported, Prevalence, Saudi Arabia Corresponding Author: Dr. Hani Haytham Mawardi, Faculty of Dentistry, Al - Ihtifalat Street, Jaddah, Saudi Arabia. E-mail: hmawardi@kau.edu.sa DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2020/740 How to Cite This Article: Alharbi WS, Felemban OM, Almazrooa SA, et al. Prevalence of self-perceived halitosis in Saudi Arabia. J Evolution Med Dent Sci 2020;9(45):3367-3372, DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2020/740 Submission 06-08-2020, Peer Review 30-09-2020, Acceptance 06-10-2020, Published 09-11-2020. Copyright © 2020 Waad Saleh Alharbi et al. This is an open access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution License [Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)]