Evaluation of the Change in Halitosis with the Improvement in Oral Health in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients.

This study focused on evaluating the effects of a comprehensive hygiene education protocol on periodontal health and oral/nasal halitosis in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP), comparing those with fixed orthodontic treatment (braces) to those without. Involving 39 CLP patients, the study found that after four weeks of targeted oral hygiene instructions—including brushing teeth, tongue, and palate—both groups showed significant improvements in plaque index, gingival index, tongue coating, and oral halitosis levels, while nasal halitosis remained largely unaffected. No significant differences in nasal halitosis were observed between affected and healthy nostrils in unilateral CLP patients, nor did the presence of residual fistulae influence halitosis outcomes. The findings suggest that fixed orthodontic appliances do not worsen halitosis when accompanied by proper hygiene, and emphasize the importance of including tongue and palate cleaning in oral care routines for CLP patients.