Relationship between volatile sulphide compounds concentration and oral bacteria species detection in the elderly.

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between oral bacteria species detection and volatile sulphide compounds (VSC) concentration in the elderly.
Design: Cross-sectional microbiological and clinical VSC examination of elderly.
Participants: Sixty-seven elderly people aged 75, who were functionally independent and dentate.
Methods: VSC (H2S and CH3SH) concentrations in the mouth air of subjects were measured using portable gas chromatography. Oral bacteria samples were taken from dental plaque and identification of bacteria species was accomplished using standard methods.
Results: Fewer than 20% of subjects showed more than 10 ng/10 ml of H2S (severe odour level). The detection rate of P. melaninogenica was significantly higher in elderly people with more than 10 ng/10 ml (p=0.043) levels. Fusobacterium had a tendency to be found in those with more than 10 ng/10 ml, but a significant relation was not found.
Conclusions: The results suggest that Fusobacterium and P. melaninogenica may be involved in the production of H2S in the oral cavity of elderly people.