• Hataichanok Charoenpong D.D.S. (Hons)
• Chintana Sirichompun D.D.S. (Hons), M.D.Sc (Orthodontics), Diplomate, Thai Board of Orthodontics
• Suconta Chareonvit D.D.S. (Hons), Ph.D.

Objective To compare the concentration levels of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) in Thai
orthodontic patients, before and after placement of the fixed appliances.

Materials and methods Forty six Thai orthodontic patients (16 males, 30 females, aged 18.5 ± 5.3
years) treated in Orthodontic Department Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, were
measured the concentration levels of VSC in oral cavity, which included hydrogen sulfide, methyl
mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide before and 4.5 ± 0.7 months after placement of the fixed appliances,
using halitosis measurement device named OralChroma. To compare the concentration levels of VSC
before and after placement of the appliances, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was conducted at a .05
significant level.

Results After placement of the fixed appliances, the concentration levels of dimethyl sulfide and total
VSC were increased and were significantly different (p = .019 and .024, respectively). Although those
of hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan were increased, they were insignificantly different (p = .102
and .342, respectively).

Conclusion The concentration levels of dimethyl sulfide and total VSC were increased after
placement of the fixed orthodontic appliances.

(CU Dent J. 2008;31:33-42)