title: Tongue coating: related factors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A clear relationship between tongue coating and oral malodour has been observed in many clinical trials. Why or when this coating is formed remains an open question. The aim of this study was to analyse possible factors related to the presence of tongue coating in a population complaining from oral malodour.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were recruited from a halitosis clinic (UZ Leuven). Medical history, dietary and oral hygiene habits were retrieved via a questionnaire. Data were recorded on organoleptic score and level of sulphur compounds in breath, anatomical features of the tongue dorsum, amount of tongue coating (according to three indices: Miyazaki, Winkel and modified Winkel), tongue coating wet weight and salivary flow. The correlation between the presence of tongue coating and a series of parameters was analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The level of oral hygiene was the strongest determinant factor for the presence of tongue coating. Smoking, presence of a denture, periodontal status and dietary habits also correlated although less obvious.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presence of tongue coating appears to be related to several factors of which oral hygiene is the strongest.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Van Tornout
authors.forename: Jesica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dadamio
authors.forename: Wim
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Coucke
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Quirynen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001944:Breath Tests; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000150:complications; D003778:Dentures / Q000009:adverse effects; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006209:Halitosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013457:Sulfur Compounds / Q000032:analysis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014059:Tongue / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013457:Sulfur Compounds