Tongue-cleaning methods: a comparative clinical trial employing a toothbrush and a tongue scraper.
BACKGROUND
It is estimated that approximately 85% of all halitosis cases have their origin within the mouth; of these, 50% are caused by tongue residues. Previous studies have established that hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans are the primary components of halitosis. Thus, tongue cleaning gains importance as a means of halitosis management.


METHODS
This investigation compared the efficacy of two mechanical methods for tongue cleaning through a handheld sulfide monitor. This crossover trial was carried out with 10 healthy subjects, 20 to 50 years old. Before the baseline measurement of the volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), the subjects were instructed to refrain from any tongue cleaning method for 48 hours. The 10 participants were then placed in one of two groups (five each): 1) first week: tongue scraper, second week: soft-bristle toothbrush; 2) first week: toothbrush, second week: tongue scraper, with a 48-hour wash-out period between each week.


RESULTS
The baseline measurements were compared with those of the end of each week using the Dunn method (alpha = 0.01). The tongue scraper showed a 75% reduction in VSCs, while the toothbrush only achieved a 45% reduction in VSCs.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the tongue coating was removed by both methods, the tongue scraper performed better in reducing the production of volatile sulfur compounds.
Pedrazzi
Vinícius
V
University of São Paulo, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dental Materials and Prosthesis, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. pedrazzi@forp.usp.br
Sato
Sandra
S
de Mattos
Maria da Gĺoria Chiarello
Mda G
Lara
Elza Helena Guimarães
EH
Panzeri
Heitor
H
D000328:Adult; D001944:Breath Tests / Q000295:instrumentation; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D005260:Female; D006209:Halitosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000295:instrumentation*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013457:Sulfur Compounds / Q000032:analysis*; D014059:Tongue
D013457:Sulfur Compounds