Effect of tongue brushing
on oral malodor in adolescents
Pediatrics International
Official English Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
Edited by: Yukishige Yanagawa
Volume 45: Issue 6
Effect of tongue brushing on oral malodor in adolescents
Yasin Çiçek, Recep Orbak,Adnan Tezel,Zerrin Orbak,Kamile
Erciyas
Background: Halitosis is a common problem in humans, and
is a social and psychological handicap for those affected by it.
Halitosis has a positive correlation with the accumulation of
bacterial plaque in the oral cavity.
Aims: The aim of the present study was to determine the
effect of tongue brushing on oral malodor in adolescents.
Methods: The subjects of the investigation were 28 adolescents
who had oral malodor and whose average age was 16 ± 0.12
years. Subjects were chosen to participate in the study if they
had an established routine of oral care, and did not have systemic
or periodontal disease or dentures (such as fixed prosthesis or
partial and total dentures). The subjects with oral malodor were
randomly assigned into two groups. Individuals in the first group
received instructions regarding professional procedures of oral
care from a periodontist. In addition, individuals in this group
had the surface of their tongue cleaned using a hard toothbrush,
wetted with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate. Individuals in the
second group (control) underwent the same professional procedures
of oral care executed by the same periodontist, however, they
did not have their tongues cleaned. Oral malodor of individuals
was then evaluated for all individuals using the organoleptic
method. The pH of the subjects tongues were recorded before and
after treatment. The results of the oral malodor test were compared
between the two groups.
Results: The results of the study found that oral malodor
scores obtained by an organoleptic method was more severe in the
second group than the first group, and statistical differences
were found between the two groups (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: These results revealed that accumulation of
bacterial plaque on the tongue is an important factor for oral
malodor in the adolescents. Oral malodor levels were significantly
reduced after cleaning the surface of the tongue. Thus, tongue
care shouldn't be neglected in order to avoid oral malodor.
Article Type: Original Article
Page range: 719 - 723
