Tongue Cleaning Research Articles

STATUS OF TONGUE COATING AND PERCEIVED HALITOSIS AMONG THE PATIENTS SEEKING ORAL TREATMENT

Background: Tongue coating is accountable for various oral and systemic diseases. It is the prime cause of intraoral halitosis. Oral cleaning has primarily been focused on tooth cleaning, leaving the tongue neglected. Studies on tongue coating status have not been conducted in Nepal. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the tongue coating status and perceived halitosis among the patients seeking oral treatment in a tertiary care centre of Lalitpur, Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 randomly selected patients above 18 years of age attending the Oral Medicine and Radiology department of KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital. Demographic details, tooth brushing, tongue cleaning, and tobacco consumption habits and self perception of halitosis were recorded. Amount of tongue coating and plaque was assessed using Winkel tongue coating index and Silness and Loe plaque index respectively. Results: The mean value of tongue coating was 5.06±3.35. Tongue cleaning was performed by 240(61.2%) participants and daily tongue cleaning was practiced by 142(36.2%) participants. Prevalence of oral malodor was 65.8%(n=258). Twenty three (5.9%) participants suffered from halitosis on a regular basis. Tongue coating was related with gender (p=.03) and tongue cleaning frequency (p=0.02). No relationship was observed between tongue coating and perceived halitosis. Conclusions: Mean value of tongue coating was lower but higher percentage of people suffered from halitosis. Halitosis reduction and other health benefits can be motivating factors for people to clean their tongue. Oral health professionals should raise the awareness of tongue cleaning among general population.

Factors associated with halitosis reported by parents/caregivers in individuals with Down syndrome.

Data on halitosis among individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are scarce. The aim was to evaluate factors associated with the occurrence of halitosis reported by parents/caregivers (P/Cs) in individuals with DS. A cross-sectional study was conducted in non-governmental assistance institutions in the State of Minas Gerais-Brazil. P/Cs have answered an electronic questionnaire with sociodemographic, behavioral and oral health data. Factors associated with halitosis were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression. The sample comprised 227 P/Cs (age 48.8±13.2 years; 82.9% mothers) of individuals with DS (age 20.8±13.5 years). The prevalence of halitosis in the total sample was 34.4% (n=78) and its occurrence was associated: 1) in individuals with DS ≤18 years old (26.2%; n=27)-negative perception of oral health (OR=3.91); 2) in individuals with DS>18 years (41.1%; n=51)-gingival bleeding (OR=4.53), absence of tongue brushing (OR=4.50), negative perception of oral health (OR=2.72). The occurrence of halitosis in individuals with DS reported by P/Cs was relevant and associated with dental factors, having a negative impact on the perception of oral health. Oral hygiene practices, especially tongue brushing, should be reinforced to prevent and control halitosis.

The importance of promoting oral health in schools: a pilot study

Promotion of oral health has an essential role in the maintenance of teeth in adults. However, health education must start from an early age, in order to monitor the child's growth and prevent pathologies. Schools are in charge of the overall education of children and of guidance to parents but could also be engaged in the promotion of oral health, supported and counseled by pediatricians and dentists. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate whether school age children could be taught, successfully, basic oral sciences and dental hygiene, by a professional, during school hours. In this pilot study, an anonymized test was administered to 45 children of age between 8 and 10, both before and after an interactive lecture on oral health, to assess the effectiveness of the lesson and acquisition by the children of knowledge on oral health. After the presentation, the majority of the children were able to answer correctly to the questionnaire that was given to them (test, retest) which was related to dental anatomy and pathology (number of teeth, cavities, halitosis), and dental hygiene tools and practices (brushes, floss, mouth wash, tongue scrapers). The children seemed to be receptive to learning while in school, and a specific educational session of dental hygiene and oral health seems to be the right approach to ensure children can identify dental hygiene tools and use them appropriately.

Correlation between Dietary Intake of Vitamins and Oral Health Behaviors: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to investigate whether oral health behaviors were related to the dietary intake of vitamins. In this cross-sectional study, we included respondents of the 2016 national health and nutrition examination survey, and dental diseases from Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, findings of blood tests related to metabolic syndrome, dietary intake, oral health status, and behaviors were collected. Participants were divided into two groups based on their oral health behavior: the yes group (performed interdental cleaning or tongue brushing) and the no group (did not perform the behaviors). The study included 218 participants (male: 107, female: 111) aged 64.5 (range, 22-93) years. There were 133 (61.0%) and 85 (39.0%) participants in the yes and no groups, respectively. The daily intake of vitamins A, B2, B6, E, and K, folic acid, and niacin in the yes group was significantly higher than that in the no group. Oral health behavior correlated with the intake of vitamin B2 (p = 0.029), folic acid (p = 0.006), and vitamin K (p = 0.043) after adjusting for possible confounders. Oral health behavior (interdental cleaning or tongue brushing) correlated with the daily intake of vitamins B2, K, and folic acid.

Influence of gender and oral health knowledge on DMFT index: a cross sectional study among school children in Kaski District, Nepal

BackgroundOral health problems are highly prevalent among school children in Nepal. Poor oral health condition may be influenced by various factors. However, little is known about the sociodemographic and awareness related factors on oral health problems among school children in Nepal. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association of gender and knowledge on DMFT index among school children.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among school children of Grade Seven in 12 schools of Kaski district in Nepal. Schools were randomly selected from the urban and semi-urban areas in the district. Data were collected covering oral health knowledge, socio-demographic characteristics, oral health condition and practices. The factors of poor oral health condition and practices were examined using t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression.ResultsOf the total participants (n = 669), 54.9% were females and their mean DMFT score was 1.82 (SD = 1.07). Total decayed score was higher among those who did not have knowledge that fluoride prevents decay compared to those who had knowledge about it (Being aware of fluoride prevents decay: Mean = 1.21 (SD = 1.54) versus not being aware of that: mean = 2.13 (SD = 2.13); p = 0.029). Females were more likely to have higher DMFT scores compared to males (β-coefficient = 0.43, 95% CI 0.13, 0.73, p = 0.005). In addition, higher knowledge score was negatively associated with higher DMFT score (β-coefficient = − 0.09, 95% CI − 0.20, -0.01, p = 0.047).ConclusionBeing female students and those having lower level of knowledge on oral health attributed to higher DMFT index. Periodic dental check-up coupled with oral health education on regular brushing, use of fluoridated paste, tongue cleaning and care of gum diseases are recommended in schools.

PS-P06-10: ASSOCIATIONS OF TONGUE CLEANING AND MORNING TOOTH BRUSHING HABITS WITH BLOOD PRESSURE AND DIABETES AMONG JAPANESE MEN AND WOMEN

Objective: Recently, a bidirectional relationship between periodontal and systematic diseases has been reported. Because periodontal disease is caused by periodontopathogenic bacteria found in dental plaque and bacteria increase during sleep, it is important to clean the mouth, especially in the morning. Although the importance of tooth brushing has been reported in many studies,none has investigated both tongue cleaning habit and timing of tooth brushing. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the association of tongue cleaning and morning tooth brushing habits with blood pressure (BP) and diabetes in a cross-sectional study. Design and method: 1005 residents (656 in 2020, 349 in 2021, 430 men and 575 women) in Ikawa-machi, Akita Prefecture, aged 40–91 years (mean 65.3) who underwent health-checkup in 2020–2021 and answered both whether they had a tongue cleaning habit and their timing of tooth brushing, were surveyed. If participants answered in both years, the 2020 data was used. Participants who answered brushing their teeth at least once after waking up or after breakfast were defined as having a morning tooth brushing habit. Participants who answered “under treatment’’ or had an HbA1c of ≧ 6.0% in the health-checkup were defined as having diabetes, and those who had a systolic BP of ≧ 140 mmHg or a diastolic BP of ≧ 90 mmHg were defined as having poor BP control. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (95% confidence interval (CI)) for the prevalence of poor BP control or diabetes in those who did not, based on those who had both tongue cleaning and morning tooth brushing habits. Covariates were sex, age, lifestyle habits (drinking, smoking, exercise), and taking antihypertensive medication. Results: The proportion of participants with both tongue cleaning and morning tooth brushing, with tongue cleaning, or with morning tooth brushing were 37.0%, 39.0%, and 92.2%, respectively. Those who did not have both tongue cleaning and morning tooth brushing were more likely to have poor BP control and diabetes than those who did, with odds ratios (95% CI) of 1.76 (1.14–2.72) and 1.33 (1.00–1.77), respectively. The association with poor BP control was particularly pronounced among those aged ≧ 65 years, with an odds ratio (95% CI) of 1.77 (1.04–3.03). Conclusions: Unable to have both tongue cleaning and morning tooth brushing habits may be associated with prevalent risk of hypertension and diabetes. Future longitudinal studies will be conducted to demonstrate a causal relationship.

History of the tongue scraper

A tongue cleaner (tongue scraper, tongue brush) is an oral hygiene tool to keep the tongue's surface clean. This is one chapter of the Encyclopedia of the History of Dentistry.

Knowledge and Oral Hygiene Practices among Students of a Dental College in North Kerala: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Dental students have important role to play in oral health education and its promotion. However their awareness practice and behavior towards oral health must be adequate and precise if they wish to serve as role models.Aim To determine oral hygiene awareness practice and behavior among students of a dental institute in North Kerala.Methods An online survey was conducted to elicit responses for a 12-item closed ended questionnaire. Responses were obtained regarding their self-care oral health related knowledge and practices. Data were also obtained on age gender criteria for selecting toothbrushes and their forgetfulness to brush their teeth. The data were analyzed for descriptive statistics.Results One hundred and forty-six students participated in the survey. Fifty nine percent of respondents brushed their teeth twice a day 54.8 percent brushed for ge 2 minutes 32 percent replaced their toothbrush after fraying of bristles and about 35 percent replaced their toothbrush after a brief illness. Only 8.2 percent used dental floss and 2.7 percent used a tongue cleaner. More than 70 percent knew that their toothpaste was fluoridated however none were aware of the fluoride compound present in their toothpaste. Design of the bristles was important criteria in selecting toothbrush and about 33 percent had reportedly forgotten to brush their teeth in the morning at least once in the past one month.Conclusion More than 50 percent of respondents were following proper self-care oral health practices except the frequency of changing toothbrush and use of other oral hygiene aids. No one knew the fluoride compound present in their toothpaste and the frequency of routine dental visits as per recommendation once in 6 months was being followed by less than 25 percent of the participants.

Assessment of Oral Hygiene Status and Practices among a Sample of 12-Year-Old Chepang Children of Nepal

Introduction: Hygienic oral health practices are necessary from a young age to ensure positive long-term oral and general health. The oral hygiene status and practices among the underprivileged Chepang children of Nepal have not been adequately assessed.
 Objective: To assess the oral hygiene status and practices among the 12-year-old Chepang children of Nepal, and to identify the association of demographic variables and oral hygiene practices with the oral hygiene status of the children.
 Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study where a pretested questionnaire was used to assess the oral hygiene practices and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) to examine the status of oral hygiene among 160 Chepang children of central Nepal. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS v.17. Statistical significance was determined using an independent t-test and an ANOVA test.
 Results: The study showed that 68 (42.5%) of the 12-year-old Chepang children had good oral hygiene, 68 (42.5%) had fair oral hygiene, and only 24 (15%) had poor oral hygiene. The mean OHI-S score for them was 1.62±1.09. Most of the children (138, 86.3%) regularly brushed their teeth and rinsed their mouth after meals (117, 73.1%), but tongue cleaning was performed by only 36 (22.5%) of them.
 Conclusions: The study showed that oral hygiene intervention programs are needed for the Chepang children who do not go to schools and who do not stay at hostels.

Clinical efficacy of photodynamic therapy on halitosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Halitosis is a widespread health problem with complex factors, and therapeutic effects sometimes are unsatisfactory. Plenty of clinical trials have tried to prove the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT), but the results are indeterminate. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of PDT on halitosis. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to August 10, 2022, and only studies about the PDT on halitosis were included. The criteria for meta-analysis comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the treatment of PDT with tongue scraper (TS) immediately after the halitosis therapy and during a 7-, 14-, 30-, and 90-day follow-up. Eight eligible studies involving 345 patients were included in this study. It was shown that PDT (MD = - 34.49, 95% CI [- 66.34, - 2.64], P = 0.03) or PDT + TS (MD = - 67.72, 95% CI [- 101.17, - 34.28], P < 0.001) had better efficacy than TS on the H2S concentration reduction immediately after the halitosis therapy. No significant differences were observed in reducing the H2S among TS, PDT alone, and PDT + TS at the follow-up. Besides, no difference between PDT and TS was found in the reduction of CH3SCH3 and CH3SH. Based on the current evidence, PDT and PDT + TS demonstrate efficacy in the treatment of halitosis in the short term, and PDT was shown to be a beneficial and promising therapeutic method.

Aetiology, diagnosis and management of halitosis – a narrative review

Objectives&#x0D; The present study aimed to present an overview of the aetiology of oral malodour and the diagnostic and treatment procedures.&#x0D; Design&#x0D; A comprehensive review of scientific literature (up to December 2021) was conducted using Medline and PubMed databases and Google Scholar, including checking reference lists of journal articles by hand-searching. Results are presented descriptively for halitosis's aetiology, diagnosis and clinical management.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; The origin of the foul odour problem is mainly due to intra-oral causes, while only a proportion of cases result from additional systemic problems. In some cases, the problem can be caused by co-existing oral and extraoral problems. Evidence suggests that the leading cause of intra-oral halitosis is the anaerobic microorganisms present in the tongue plaque. Less commonly, the foul odour is due to poor oral hygiene and periodontitis.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; The origin of the foul odour problem is mainly due to intra-oral causes, while only a proportion of cases result from additional systemic problems. Dentists need to analyse and treat the oral problems that may be responsible for the patient's malodour, as well as inform the patient about the causes of the foul odour and oral hygiene procedures (flossing, tongue cleaning, selection and use of appropriate mouthwash and toothpaste). If the problem persists, they should know whom to refer the patient to for further diagnosis. It is reasonable to organise consultations on halitosis in a multidisciplinary setting - periodontists, otolaryngologists (ENT specialists), internal medicine specialists, gastroenterologists, psychiatrists, psychologists and others.

An Analysis of Predisposition Factors of Coated Tongue in Diponegoro National Hospital

Background: Several results of the study in Indonesia show that the age group of &gt;45 years old has complaints of the coated tongue as the lesion with the highest percentage in the oral cavity. This occurs because the change of condition is influenced by the change of foods consumed, a decrease of saliva flow rate, and can be occurred due to the side effect of consuming antihypertensive drugs, smoking habits, and tongue brushing behavior. Objective: This study aims to find out the relationship between predisposition factors and coated tongue and find out the most contributing factors to coated tongue in the age group of &gt;45 years old in Diponegoro National Hospital (RSND). Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design with 84 respondents of &gt;45 years old in internal medicine polyclinic. This study was conducted by interviews of predisposition factors and TCI Shimizu for the assessment of coated tongue. The statistical test used the chi-square test and logistic regression test. Results: Respondents with a TCI value of &gt;50% were 97.6%, and a TCI value of ?50% were 2.4%. Chi-square test showed that there is a relationship between coated tongue and xerostomia (P=0.034), brushing the tongue (P=0.001). However, there is no relationship between coated tongue and smoking (P=1.000), consuming antihypertensive drugs (P=1.000), consuming soft food (P=0.495). The results of the logistic regression test showed that xerostomia and brushing the tongue do not affect the coated tongue partially (P=0.997). Conclusion: There is a relationship between xerostomia and brushing the tongue with coated tongue. There is no partial effect between xerostomia and brushing the tongue with coated tongue.

Effects of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM on volatile sulfur compounds produced by oral anaerobes

Halitosis is a term that refers to an unpleasant or foul odor originating from oral cavity, which is mainly caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) produced by oral anaerobes such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Treponema denticola and Prevotella intermedia. General therapies, such as tooth and tongue brushing or usage of bacteriostat can hardly provide a harmless and continuous therapeutic effect on halitosis. Recent evidence has suggested the potential clinical application value of probiotics in the treatment of halitosis. In this study, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM were identified from four kinds of probiotics and the antimicrobial activities against pathogens related to halitosis and inhibitory effects on VSCs were investigated. The results showed that B. lactis HN019 and L. acidophilus NCFM exhibited superior bacteriostatic action against pathogens related to halitosis and showed remarkable inhibitory effect on the production and emission of VSCs. These findings suggest that B. lactis HN019 and L. acidophilus NCFM may serve as promising parts of a successful halitosis manage plan.

The theory of reasoned action in describing tongue cleaning adherence among college going students of Indie: A model guided study.

Just mere brushing of teeth is not enough for maintaining good oral health. Regular cleaning of tongue is equally important for maintaining good oral hygiene and to escape social embarrassment and personal discomfort, which could arise as a result of halitosis. To test the variables of Theory of Reasoned Action to explain the behavior of tongue cleaning among college going students of Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 756 college going students of Udaipur city, India using an online self-administered structured questionnaire which was designed based on our study objectives. Logistic regression analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) were employed for statistical analysis. Confidence level and level of significance were set at 95% and 5% respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that with one unit increase in subjective norm, the tongue cleaning behavior odds increased significantly by 1.124. Also, the tongue cleaning behavior odds was 1.77 times significantly greater among those brushing their teeth twice a day than those brushing once a day. Structural Equation modelling also evidenced the significant direct effect of subjective norm on tongue cleaning behavior (β = 0.2, p≤0.05). Our results highlighted the importance of subjective norms in espousing tongue cleaning preventive behaviour habit. It is thus recommended to highpoint the role of significant others in changing tongue cleaning behaviour.

COATED TONGUE TREATMENT USING TONGUE SCRAPER ALL OVER THE SURFACE OF TONGUE DORSUM

A coated tongue is characterized by a white, yellowish-brown, or blackish-coloured coating on the tongue's surface. Coated tongues are formed from debris consisting of bacteria on the dorsal surface of the tongue, a large number of desquamated epithelial cells derived from the oral mucosa, leukocytes from periodontal pockets, and blood metabolites, and a variety of different nutrients. Score according to Gomez's justification to see the colour change in this case score one and Miyazaki classification to see the distribution of the spread of white plaque in the case of score 3. The treatment plan in this case provides medication in the form of chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash 0.2% and an emphasis on maintaining oral hygiene and using tongue scraper aids. Patients were asked to do one week and five weeks of control to see the development of lesions in the form of white plaque.

Awareness, perception and outlook of oro-dental health among North Indian population: an online survey

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Oral diseases have contributed enormously to a majority of public health problems and are highly prevalent with significant social impact. Oral health is a precious plus point and a fundamental branch of general health. In India, oral health has been ignored since a long time and people have underestimated the pitfalls of bad oral health Therefore, the aim of the study was to look upon a variety of different contusive and responsible factors which all and all relate to dental health awareness in North Indian population. Also, this study objected to consider the acquaintance, outlook, practices and perceptions of patients attending the outpatient departments of dental hospitals enrooting North India.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A self-administered structured questionnaire including demographic characteristics and oral health awareness attributes was distributed among 200 people in the age group 20-50 years using random sampling technique and the results were analyzed using percentage. The survey was cross-sectional, descriptive and hospital based and the technique was convenient sampling. SPSS version 17.0 was used to analyse the data.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The result of this study shows an acute lack of oral hygiene awareness and limited knowledge of oral hygiene practices. Routine dental check-up was more commonly seen in people living in cities. In addition to this, the country side people visited the dental clinic only when they have extreme pain. Few people have the habit of oral rinsing after the meals. About 67% people used tongue cleaner and the use of interdental aids is very less and uncommon.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;Results of this study also show that use of accessible dental service is mainly for urgent situations such as pain relief and very infrequently for regular oral health protection. There is an urgent need for comprehensive educational programs to promote good oral health and impart education about correct oral hygiene practices. Based upon these results, methodical district-oriented oral health endorsement programs are obligatory to mark the lifestyles in poles apart broad-spectrum population groups.&lt;/p&gt;

Perception towards preventive strategies for dental caries and oral health promotion among school teachers

Background and Aim: There are numerous preventive strategies available globally for dental caries. However, the incidence of dental caries is high among school going children in most of the developing countries. School teachers play a major role in inculcating good habits and behaviour to the children. Thus, we aimed to assess the perception of dental caries among school teachers qualitatively by focus group discussion. Methods: One focus group discussion was conducted among the primary level government and private school teachers in Tamil Nadu. A group of 12 teachers, 6 from Government schools and 6 from Private schools were recruited. The discussion was held in a virtual platform due to COVID-19 Lockdown. The session lasted for 45-60 min. The areas of discussion included attitude towards aetiology, prevention and treatment for dental caries.&#x0D; Results: Analysis of interview transcripts recognized many influences on children’s oral health attitudes. Majority of teachers expressed a high efficacy using toothbrushes, tongue cleaners, mouthwashes, oil pulling and massaging gums as plaque control mechanisms. Most of the participants were aware of all treatment modalities for dental caries. However, they were not totally aware of the preventive strategies of dental caries. Conclusion:

Prospective case series on possible effects of local factors on the development of halitosis in new complete denture wearers.

To assess the development of halitosis in participants wearing new removable complete dentures (RCD). Seventy-five completely edentulous patients receiving RCD were recruited. Halitosis was assessed by means of FitScan Breath Checker on the day of denture insertion (T0), as well as after 1 month (T1), and after 2 months (T2). Risk factors were studied using a validated questionnaire about oral and denture hygiene, and tongue scoring followed for each participant. A modified plaque scoring technique assessed the percentage of newly formed biofilms accumulated on all surfaces of the RCD. At T0, 44% of the participants revealed halitosis. This percentage insignificantly increased at T1 (66.7%) and T2 (65.6%), respectively (P > .109). At T1, halitosis was significantly lower among persons who reported tongue brushing compared to refraining participants (14.3% vs 72.6%; P = .002). At T2, halitosis was significantly higher among patients suffering from moderate to heavy tongue coatings compared to those with no or only light coatings (83.3% vs 50.0%; P = .006), those who did wear their dentures during sleeping (77.5% vs 45.8%; P = .010), and those who did not brush their tongues at all (87.5% vs 29.2%; P < .0001). With a 16-fold increased probability (95% CI 10.0 to 23.31; P < .001), the multivariate analysis revealed that non-brushing the tongue was the only variable significantly linked to halitosis at both follow-ups. Non-brushing of tongues as well as sleeping with dentures seems to be the main causes of halitosis in new RCD wearers.

Efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in reducing oral yeasts carriage among individuals using electronic nicotine delivery systems

Objective: The aim was to assess the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in reducing oral yeasts carriage among individuals using electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Methods: Self-reported ENDS users and non-users (individuals that reported to have never used any nicotinic product) were included. Demographic data was collected using a questionnaire. Patients were divided into 2 subgroups: (a) aPDT group; and (b) sham aPDT group. aPDT was performed using a curcumin-based photosensitizer that was exposed to a central wavelength of 660 nm and an estimated average fluency of 200 J/cm2. The system delivered light by uniform diffusion for 5 min. Sham aPDT was performed using a non-activated laser tip. Oral yeasts colony forming units were determined using standard techniques. Oral yeasts were assessed at baseline and at 3-months of follow-up. Level of significance was set at P<0.05. Results: Twenty-three ENDS-users (19 males and 4 females) and 23 controls (17 males and 6 females) were included. ENDS-users were vaping for 8.3 ± 0.6 years and were using their ENDS devices 13.6 ± 2.7 times daily. Toothbrushing twice daily was reported by 8.7% and 21.7% of ENDS-users and controls, respectively. Tongue brushing was reported by none of the individuals. At baseline, oral yeasts CFU/ml were significantly higher among ENDS-users in the PDT (P<0.05) and sham PDT (P<0.05) groups compared with controls (Table 2; Figure 1). At 3-months of follow-up, CFU/ml were significantly higher among ENDS-users in the PDT (P<0.05) and sham PDT (P<0.05) groups compared with controls Conclusion: A single session of aPDT is ineffective in reducing the oral yeasts CFU/ml in ENDS-users. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of multiple sessions of aPDT in reducing the oral yeasts CFU/ml in ENDS-users.

Traditional eye medicine associated keratitis- Current trends and practices

To study the prevalence, types and demographic profile of traditional eye medicine (TEM) use among corneal ulcer patients presenting to a tertiary eye care centre in South India.A cross-sectional study conducted on 432 new corneal ulcer patients at a tertiary eye care centre in South India from September 2018 to July 2019. Data collected included demographic profile such as name, age, sex, occupation, income, rural/urban residence, type of TEM use. Of the 432 new corneal ulcer cases, 32 used TEM. Most TEM users belonged to the age group 40- 60 years (n= 20; 62.5%). There was no difference in sex distribution. Majority of TEM users in our study resided in rural areas (n= 30; 93.75%), were involved in agriculture as occupation (n=28, 87.5%) and belonged to the lower socioeconomic status n=31(96.88%) as per Kuppuswamy classification. Profile of TEM used ranged from plant extract (n= 14; 43.75%), tongue cleaning (n= 5; 15.63%), oil (n= 7; 21.87%), breast milk (n= 4; 12.5%) and ash (n= 2; 6.25%). Use of traditional medicine is a prevalent practice in the study population. These findings offer a better understanding of health seeking behaviour of the study population which will lead to better planning, implementation and targeting of preventive and promotive eye services and awareness programmes.