Tongue Cleaning Research Articles

Antibacterial Efficacy of Benzalkonium Chloride Gel with Tongue Brush on S. Mutans and L. Acidophilus and Tongue Coating – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: The tongue microbiota, like other parts of the oral cavity, plays a significant role in the development of dental caries. S. mutans and L. acidophilus species, are associated with the initiation and progression of dental caries.  Aim: To assess the efficacy of benzalkonium Chloride gel along with tongue cleaning aids in the reduction of tongue coating and bacterial count on dorsal surface of the tongue.  Materials and Methods: A double blinded randomized control trial was conducted among 17-25 years old college students. A total of 60 participants were randomly divided into 4 groups according to their use of tongue cleaning aids as follows: Group A, Tongue Brush Alone; Group B, Tongue Brush with Chlorhexidine Mouthwash (Clohex ADS); Group C, Tongue Brush with Chlorhexidine Gel (Hexigel); and Group D, Tongue Brush with Benzalkonium Chloride Gel. The Winkel tongue coating index (WTCI) was used to measure the tongue coating at baseline and at 14th day and the participant’s tongue coatings on dorsal surface were sampled using swab method, and the number of S. mutans and L. acidophilus colonies were counted before and after intervention.  Results: Both the Hexigel group and Benzalkonium chloride gel group reduced both the bacterial load and tongue coating at 14th Day compared to the baseline data.  Conclusion: This study suggests that usage of Tongue brush along with Benzalkonium Chloride gel decreased the tongue coating and the number of bacteria on the dorsal tongue surface.

Assessment of photodynamic therapy with annatto and led for the treatment of halitosis in mouth-breathing children: Randomized controlled clinical trial.

To assess the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) employing an annatto-based (20%) dye combined with blue LED for the treatment of halitosis in mouth-breathing children. Fifty-two children six to twelve years of age with diagnoses of mouth breathing and halitosis (score of ≥ 3 on portable breath meter) Breath Alert™ (Tanita Corporation®-Japan), were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 26). Group 1: brushing, dental floss and aPDT applied to middle third of the dorsum of the tongue. Group 2: brushing, dental floss and tongue scraper. Breath meter results before, immediately after treatment as well as seven and 30 days after treatment were compared. The hypothesis of normality in the data was discarded by the Shapiro-Wilk test (p < 0.05) and for statistical analysis the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used. A significant difference was found between the pre-treatment reading and all other readings (p < 0.05) in both groups, suggesting the effectiveness of the proposed treatments. No significant difference was found between the post-treatment reading and two follow-up readings, suggesting the maintenance of the effect of treatment over time (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were found between groups for all post-treatment assessments (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons), indicating greater effectiveness with aPDT. No association was found between the initial reading and the presence of coated tongue. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using annatto and blue LED proved to be a viable therapeutic option for the treatment of halitosis in mouth-breathing children.

Tongue brushing enhances the myoelectric activity of the suprahyoid muscles in older adults: a six-week randomized controlled trial

Tongue brushing improves respiratory function in older adults. Considering connection between the respiratory-related and suprahyoid muscles, this study aimed to investigate whether tongue-brushing interventions can improve myoelectric activity during respiration. A six-week randomized controlled trial was conducted in Kitakyushu, Japan, with 50 participants aged ≥ 65 years. The participants were allocated to the intervention (tongue brushing with routine oral hygiene) or control (routine oral hygiene alone) groups. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to assess the myoelectric activity of the suprahyoid muscles during inhalation, exhalation, and forced vital capacity (FVC). A survey was conducted at baseline and the end of the follow-up period. Thirty-six participants were recruited for the analysis. The root mean squares (RMS) of sEMG during exhalation increased significantly at the end of the follow-up period compared with that at baseline in the intervention group [48.7 (18.0–177.5) vs. 64.9 (21.6–163.0), p = 0.001], but not in the control group. The generalized linear model revealed that the ratio of change in FVC was correlated with the change in the RMS of sEMG of the suprahyoid muscles during exhalation after adjusting for potential confounders. Tongue brushing enhances the myoelectric activity of the suprahyoid muscle.

Self-perceived halitosis and associated factors among university students in Dhaka, Bangladesh

BackgroundBad breath (halitosis) is a common problem affecting psycho-social wellbeing of young people. We aimed to explore the extent of self-perceived halitosis and associated factors among university students in Dhaka, Bangladesh.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among university students from November 2021 to April 2022. Six private and two public universities were approached. A total of 318 participants were conveniently selected for the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Students unwilling to participate were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with halitosis. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata Version 17.ResultsA total of 55.97% of students had self-perceived halitosis, with females (74.53%) having a significantly higher proportion than males (36.94%) (p < 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of halitosis was found among participants who were overweight ( 61%), had obesity (60.77%), smoked cigarette (46.79%), consumed alcohol (71.43%), lacked exercise (66.29%), were on unhealthy diet (57.35%), consumed coffee/tea (61.35%), breathed through mouth (64.60%), brushed tooth infrequently (85.71%), changed toothbrush after 6 months (77.42%), did not use toothpaste (94.74%), did not use/ sometimes used fluoride toothpaste (75.76%), lacked dental floss use (60.85%), did not use toothpick (62.87%), did chew or sometimes chewed sugar-free chewing gum (75.82%), did not clear / cleaned tongue sometimes (76.14%), did use mouth freshener regularly or occasionally (64.97%), did not use or used mouthwash sometimes (58.87%) were also associated with higher self-perceived halitosis (p < 0.05 for all). Students with gum bleeding, swollen gums, dry mouth, dental caries, food accumulation, and tooth sensitivity had a significantly (p < 0.05 for all) higher proportion of self-perceived halitosis (76.85%, 81.82%, 72.50%, 67.78%, 64.13% and 67.40%, respectively) compared to those without this problem. Being female (OR = 5.04; 95% CI: 2.01–12.62; p < 0.001), alcohol consumers (OR 7.35; 95% CI: 1.77–30.50; p = 0.006); not using sugar free chewing gum (OR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.10–0.58; p = 0.001), lack of tongue cleaning (OR 4.62; 95% CI: 2.16–9.84; p < 0.001), and gum bleeding (OR = 7.43; 95% CI: 3.00-18.35; p < 0.001) were independently associated with halitosis on multivariable regression.ConclusionThis study reveals a high proportion of self-perceived halitosis and relevant factors. There should be more public education on the causes of halitosis and potential management approaches.

Short term effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and probiotic L. salivarius WB21 on halitosis: A controlled and randomized clinical trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and the use of probiotics on the treatment of halitosis. Fifty-two participants, aged from 18 to 25 years, exhaling sulfhydride (H2S) ≥ 112 ppb were selected. They were allocated into 4 groups (n = 13): Group 1: tongue scraper; Group 2: treated once with aPDT; Group 3: probiotic capsule containing Lactobacillus salivarius WB21 (6.7 x 108 CFU) and xylitol (280mg), 3 times a day after meals, for 14 days; Group 4: treated once with aPDT and with the probiotic capsule for 14 days. Halimetry with gas chromatography (clinical evaluation) and microbiological samples were collected from the dorsum of the tongue before and after aPDT, as well as after 7, 14, and 30 days. The clinical data failed to follow a normal distribution; therefore, comparisons were made using the Kruskal-Wallis test (independent measures) and Friedman ANOVA (dependent measures) followed by appropriate posthoc tests, when necessary. For the microbiological data, seeing as the data failed to follow a normal distribution, the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test was performed with Dunn's post-test. The significance level was α = 0.05. Clinical results (halimetry) showed an immediate significant reduction in halitosis with aPDT (p = 0.0008) and/or tongue scraper (p = 0.0006). Probiotics showed no difference in relation to the initial levels (p = 0.7530). No significant differences were found in the control appointments. The amount of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola were not altered throughout the analysis (p = 0.1616, p = 0.2829 and p = 0.2882, respectively). There was an immediate clinical reduction of halitosis with aPDT and tongue scraping, but there was no reduction in the number of bacteria throughout the study, or differences in the control times, both in the clinical and microbiological results. New clinical trials are necessary to better assess the tested therapies. Clinical Trials NCT03996044.

Penyuluhan Kesehatan Gigi dan Pelatihan Penanganan Bau Mulut pada Masyarakat Kelurahan Jatipulo Jakarta Barat

Bad breath, or commonly known as halitosis, is a health problem that is often overlooked. It can harm a person's daily life, including social isolation, anxiety, and discomfort. Halitosis can be divided into two types: genuine halitosis (related to oral issues) and delusional halitosis (related to false perceptions). Most cases of halitosis are caused by oral hygiene problems such as reduced saliva, dry mouth, gingivitis, periodontitis, and the use of dentures. Specific bacteria in the mouth can produce foul-smelling compounds known as volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), such as methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulfide. Additionally, halitosis can also result from systemic issues or bad habits. It is important to provide education to the community on how to address halitosis and maintain oral hygiene. Steps like regular tooth brushing, tongue cleaning, using dental floss, and avoiding strongly aromatic foods can help reduce the risk of halitosis. In the community of RT015/RW008, Kelurahan Jatipulo, West Jakarta, this education is particularly crucial because the level of knowledge about oral health is low. Through education and training, it is hoped that the community can recognize the causes of halitosis and address the issue before seeking medical help. This will improve the quality of life for the community, boost their self-confidence, and help prevent more serious oral health.

Assessment of Tongue Scraper and Using Baking Soda Mouth Wash in Reduction of Halitosis

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a symptom in which a noticeably unpleasant breath odor is present. It can result in anxiety among those affected. It is also associated with depression and symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of tongue scraper and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) mouthwash in reduction of halitosis. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was organized in undergraduate students of Paramedics Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro. Individuals aged 18 to 30 years of age were included by non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data were analysed by SPSS Version-26.0. Results: A total of 302 cases were comparatively studied. Males were in preponderance in both groups. Before treatment, 2.6% had slight odor, 33.8% had moderate odor, 28.5% had heavy odor, 23.85% had strong odor and 11.2% had intense odor in Group A, while 14.6% had slight odor, 19.9% had moderate odor, 25.8% had heavy odor, 21.8% had strong odor and 17.8% had intense odor in Group B (p=0.04). After treatment baking soda mouthwash showed more efficacious in terms of decrease the halitosis and its severity. In 21.2% halitosis was completely reduced and remaining most of the cases had mild and moderate halitosis compared to tongue scraper technique, while strong odor was completely reduced in both groups (p-0.001). Conclusions: Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) mouthwash was observed to be the more effective in terms of decrease the halitosis and its severity compared to the tongue scraper technique among individuals presented with halitosis.

Oral Hygiene Awareness and Practice amongst Patients Visiting Locum Dentist at Private Clinic

Background: Oral hygiene is a fundamental aspect of general health, yet its importance is often overlooked. In regions like Pakistan, there is a notable deficiency in the awareness and practice of oral health maintenance, influenced by cultural norms and varying levels of education. Objective: The study aimed to assess the oral hygiene awareness and practices among patients visiting a private clinic, focusing on the usage of toothbrushes, secondary cleaning methods, the incidence of halitosis, and patterns in dental visits. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample size of 384 patients selected via convenient sampling. Data were gathered using a pre-validated questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 22. The statistical analysis included descriptive statistics to report frequencies, percentages, and a comparison of oral hygiene practices based on educational level and gender. Results: The majority of participants (59%, n=236) possessed a Bachelor's degree, while 32% (n=128) held a Masters/PhD. Toothbrushing twice a day was reported by 48% (n=192) of the sample, with medium bristles being the most popular choice. Secondary cleaning methods were less frequently employed, with flossing being the most common (39%, n=150). About 27% (n=104) of patients experienced halitosis, and only 40.5% (n=162) practiced tongue cleaning. Dental visits were primarily need-based, with 46.3% (n=178) of participants visiting a dentist only when required. Conclusion: There is a pressing need for public health interventions to enhance the understanding and implementation of oral hygiene practices in Pakistan. The study indicates a critical link between educational initiatives and improved oral health behaviors.

Narrative review on artificially intelligent olfaction in halitosis.

Halitosis, commonly known as oral malodor, is a multifactorial health concern that significantly impacts the psychological and social well-being of individuals. It is the third most frequent reason for individuals to seek dental treatment, after dental caries and periodontal diseases. For an in-depth exploration of the topic of halitosis, an extensive literature review was conducted. The review focused on articles published in peer-reviewed journals and only those written in the English language were considered. The search for relevant literature began by employing subject headings such as 'halitosis, oral malodor, volatile sulfur compounds, artificial intelligence, and olfaction' in databases such as PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Additionally, a thorough hand search of references was conducted to ensure the comprehensiveness of the review. After amalgamating the search outcomes, a comprehensive analysis revealed the existence of precisely 134 full-text articles that bore relevance to the study. Abstracts and editorial letters were excluded from this study, and almost 50% of the full-text articles were deemed immaterial to dental practice. Out of the remaining articles, precisely 54 full-text articles were employed in this review. As primary healthcare providers, dentists are responsible for diagnosing and treating oral issues that may contribute to the development of halitosis. To effectively manage this condition, dentists must educate their patients about the underlying causes of halitosis, as well as proper oral hygiene practices such as tongue cleaning, flossing, and selecting appropriate mouthwash and toothpaste. This narrative review summarises all possible AI olfaction in halitosis.

Current views on treatment of halitosis: foreign practice

Traditional halitosis treatment involves reducing microbial contamination through chemical and/or mechanical action; however, these methods are ineffective in the long-term.&#x0D; According to recent systematic reviews, there is no scientific evidence of the effectiveness of halitosis treatments, and even when reports indicate a positive effect, it is temporary. To increase the number of studies being compared, analysis of the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) should be performed considering already published data. Therefore, a review of recent RCTs is required for conducting and planning further scientific research on halitosis treatment.&#x0D; Purpose of the investigation — to study the effectiveness of oral halitosis treatment based on materials from foreign publications from 2019 to 2023.&#x0D; This article provides a descriptive review of foreign scientific publications on modern methods of treating oral halitosis. A search for full-text articles was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed and Google Scholar for 2019–2023. The most relevant articles that met the selection criteria were selected and included in this review: 31 publications on oral halitosis treatment: 3 Cochrane reviews of RCTs; 14 literature reviews, including meta-analyses; 12 RCTs and clinical studies; and 2 experimental studies.&#x0D; In foreign studies, the use of probiotics and photodynamic therapy and their combination with standard treatment methods are most widely presented; RCTs have established their effectiveness, especially when used together with traditional methods of mechanical tongue cleaning. To prevent halitosis, it appears relevant to use materials with antibacterial properties in prosthetics, particularly the modification of polymethyl methacrylate with silver and graphene nanoparticles.&#x0D; However, against the backdrop of positive results obtained in individual reviews, the conclusions of systematic reviews are contradictory. There is no evidence of the long-term effectiveness of the proposed treatment methods, and there is a weak evidence base for studies, which makes it challenging to use them in the practical work of dentists. In this regard, new RCTs with a longer observation period and considering published data are required.

Volatile sulfur compounds in asthmatic children and adolescents: A cross-sectional study in breath and saliva.

Halitosis in children implies psychosocial repercussions. Risk factors associated with this condition are unclear, and detection methods are inaccurate. To quantify the levels of sulfur-like compounds in children with asthma and healthy children from a novel validated assay, and to establish the risk factors related to halitosis. One hundred and twenty-eight individuals (63 healthy and 65 asthmatic) from 3 to 17 years of age were tested using a passive colorimetric sensor to measure the levels of sulfur-like compounds in breath and saliva. Information was collected on oral hygiene habits, gingival and dental health, breathing type, and dental malocclusion. The mean values of hydrogen sulfide were 4.0 ± 6.8 and 19.7 ± 12.2 ppbv (parts per billion in volume) in the control and asthmatic groups, respectively (p < .001). The presence of higher concentrations of sulfur compounds was significantly associated (p < .05) with the presence of gingival inflammation, tongue coating, dental plaque, mouth breathing, hypomineralization, age, tongue brushing, and the use of dental floss. The level of sulfur in breath and saliva was significantly higher in patients with asthma. These results can serve as a precedent to raise awareness among paediatricians and parents about oral hygiene care in children and adolescents.

Edukasi dan Pemeriksaan Kesehatan Gigi dan Mulut Di Sekolah Menengah Pertama Negeri 30 Makassar

The dental and oral health care program takes the form of dental health care carried out directly and in a planned manner by Indonesian Dental and Oral Therapists (TGMI) either individually or in groups. This community service activity was carried out with the aim of empowering female students to increase their knowledge and skills regarding the correct way to brush their teeth using a tongue scraper. The method of this PkM (Community Service) activity is Education and Dental and Oral Health Examination for students at Makassar 30 State Junior High School and distributing questionnaires to students. As a result of the activity evaluation, there has been an increase in students' knowledge and skills after education and demonstrations regarding how to maintain dental health by brushing their teeth and using a tongue scraper correctly. Students who have good knowledge about how to maintain dental and oral health have increased and the number of students who are able to brush their teeth properly has increased and students are able to use a tongue scraper correctly too. Therefore, extension activities need to be held periodically to get optimal results.

MANAGEMENT OF COATED TONGUE RESEMBLES PSEUDOMEMBRANOUS CANDIDIASIS IN A MULTIDRUG-THERAPY PATIENT

Introduction: Coated tongue or tongue coating is characterized by white deposit covering dorsum of the tongue. The thick-coated tongue almost resembles oral candidiasis. It is challenging to make the diagnosis and provide the proper treatment especially when supporting examination tools are unavailable. Objective: To discuss the diagnosis making and management of coated tongue with suspicion of pseudomembranous candidiasis with a lack of supporting examination tools. Case(s): A 61-year-old man was referred to the Oral Medicine Clinic for oral examination. No complaints of pain in the oral cavity. He had a history of type-2 diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease (CHD), and pleuritis and was taking medication. During hospitalization, never cleaned his oral cavity. Case Management: Intraorally, white plaque covering almost the entire dorsum of the tongue, which could be scraped off on the anterior 1/3 but not on the posterior 2/3. The diagnosis was suspected coated tongue with oral candidiasis as the differential diagnosis. The treatments were compressing the tongue using gauze soaked in 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution, scrapping off using a tongue scraper, then rinsing with water. The thick-coated tongue can be easily removed. He was also given 0,2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) mouthwash as an antiseptic and petroleum jelly for dry lips. The tongue condition improved on 2nd day therapy after rinsing regularly using 0,2% CHX. Conclusion: Recognizing the signs, symptoms, and associated factors of Candida infection is important. Coated tongue which resembles pseudomembranous candidiasis was successfully treated using 3% H2O2 compresses, tongue scraping, and 0.2% CHX mouthwash. Keywords: Chlorhexidine gluconate, Coated tongue, Hydrogen peroxide, Infection, Oral candidiasis

Investigating the prevalence of halitosis and its associated factors amongst the general population of Karachi, Pakistan.

To assess the prevalence of halitosis among the general population of Karachi, and to identify factors contributing to its occurrence. The cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2022 in Karachi after approval from the ethics review board of Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, and comprised the adult population of Karachi. Data was collected online using a questionnaire that was piloted before its link was distributed through social media platforms. The questionnaire evaluated the association of demographic features with self-perceived halitosis on the basis of which factors predictive of halitosis were determined. Data was analysed using SPSS 26. Of a total of 342 subjects, 182(53%) were females and 160(47%) were males. There were 141(41$) subjects aged 18-25 years, and 166(48%) were graduates. Overall, 240(70%) subjects reported to have self-perceived halitosis. Age, monthly household income, niswar and tea consumption, irregular use of dental floss and tongue cleaning were associated with higher incidence of halitosis (p<0.05). Carrying water bottle while outside was associated with decreased halitosis (p=0.007). Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, sinusitis, asthma, diabetes, hypertension and mental stress were associated with halitosis (p<0.05). Higher monthly household income and daily use of dental floss predicted lower odds of halitosis (p<0.05). Maintaining good oral hygiene and hydration reduced, while comorbid conditions increased the probability of halitosis.

Effect of Aloe Vera Extract in Inhibit of Candida albicans on Cured Acrylic Resin Plates

Introduction: Removable dentures are either whole or partial. Fixed dentures are firmly affixed to the patient's teeth. Dentures reduce functional problems caused by tooth loss, but many individuals don't realize how crucial cleaning them is. Long-term denture use can hinder the tongue and saliva's cleaning of the dental mucosa. Thus, Candida albicans cling better to denture bases and primary agen in candidiasis oral. Aloe vera leaves contain six antimicrobial compounds that prevent the growth of various fungi, bacteria, and viruses, including Candida albicans and Staphylococcus pyogen. Objective: Knowing the effect of aloe vera extract (Aloe vera) with a concentration. Methods: The research method is True Experimental Laboratory, which uses a research design in post-test-only control groups. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze and interpret the research data results, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used as a follow-up analysis. Results: The normality test results showed a p-value of 0.033 in the control group of aquades smaller than 0.05. This proves that the control equates are generally not distributed because the p-value is smaller than 0.05 (p-value 0. The p-value 0.05 was obtained in the control group, proving that the control group is normally distributed. In the homogeneity test, a p-value of 0.000, smaller than 0.05, is obtained. This proves that the test data results in the control and treatment groups are not homogeneous. Conclus inhibits the development of Candida albicans in heat-cured acrylic resin.

Attitude, Practice, and Awareness of Oral Hygiene Care among Nursing Professionals of a Tertiary Care Center of Malda in West Bengal: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral hygiene care among nursing professionals of a tertiary care center of Malda in West Bengal. Background: Oral cavity is the reflector of our general health. The relationship between oral health and systemic health is well established, but a lack of awareness and knowledge regarding dental hygiene restrains people from proper oral care. Most of the people including health workers do only brushing as their daily oral care process, ignoring the other important aspects of oral hygiene including regular tongue cleaning, use of interdental cleaning aids, change of toothbrush in a periodic manner, and regular dental checkups. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. After evaluating for the content validity and reliability, a self-structured questionnaire comprising ten questions about their oral hygiene was distributed among nursing professionals of Malda Medical College in a printed format after obtaining informed consent. Total 261 responses were gathered. Informed consent was obtained from each participant, and data were collected anonymously to maintain participants’ confidentiality. The collected data were analyzed using the statistical software IBM SPSS for Windows, version 27.0. Results: Most of the participants use two times brushing as their regular dental care (77.4%) and use toothbrush and paste for the same (99.2%). Soft toothbrush is the most preferable choice (70.9%). Apart from brushing, other oral care methods are neglected, only 23.8% of participants use interdental cleaning aids, 79.3% use tongue cleaning, and only 8.8% have done regular dental checkups. Conclusion: The result of the present study depicts the limitation of knowledge and practice of oral hygiene care among nursing professionals of Malda Medical College. In spite of their health-care background, they have limited knowledge regarding regular oral hygiene care. Though most of them use two times brushing, but unaware about the importance of interdental cleaning and tongue cleaning habits.

Mechanical plaque removal in step-1 of care.

Maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine is essential for taking care of our mouths, ensuring healthy teeth, and achieving fresh breath. Patient education on oral hygiene is an important component of their overall treatment. Firstly, patients should be informed about the direct connection between bacteria in dental plaque and oral diseases. It is important for patients to understand that these conditions can be treated, but the success of treatment greatly depends on their level of oral hygiene. This journey begins by selecting the appropriate toothbrush and mastering the correct brushing technique to effectively remove dental plaque while avoiding any potential damage to the gums. In addition to toothbrushes, there are other devices available for comprehensive dental cleaning, such as floss, interdental sticks, interdental brushes, and oral irrigators. These aids are particularly beneficial for eliminating dental plaque from hard-to-reach areas. Moreover, tongue brushing or tongue scraping can effectively reduce breath odor and tongue coating. Currently, self-care recommendations for dental implants are primarily based on existing knowledge regarding natural teeth cleaning. Evidence-based recommendations are derived from comprehensive systematic evaluation of various oral hygiene aids.

Safety and Clinical Evaluation of a Sonic Tongue Brush

BackgroundTongue coating consists of oral bacteria, desquamated epithelium, blood cells, and food residues and is involved in periodontal disease, halitosis, and aspiration pneumonia. Recently, a tongue brush with sonic vibration was developed to clean the tongue. This comparative study examined the extent of tongue coating, its effects on the tongue, bacterial count particularly on the posterior dorsum of the tongue, and the degree of pain using a manual tongue brush and the newly developed sonic tongue brush. Materials and methodsPatients’ extent of tongue coating and the quantity of bacteria were analysed before and after brushing with a sonic or manual nylon tongue brush. Moreover, the impressions of the dorsum linguae were obtained before and after brushing to establish models that were observed under a stereo microscope to evaluate tongue trauma. Pain caused during the use of these brushes was evaluated based on the numerical rating scale (NRS). ResultsThe extent of tongue coating and number of bacteria decreased in both the sonic and manual nylon brush groups after tongue cleaning; however, no significant differences were noted. Tongue trauma evaluation revealed that the tongue surface was significantly scratched in the manual brush group compared with the sonic brush group. NRS-based pain evaluation revealed no significant differences. ConclusionsThe sonic brush was equally effective in removing tongue coating and bacteria compared with the manual brush. As the sonic brush does not cause tongue trauma, it may be considered a safe and effective cleaning tool of the tongue.

KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF UNDER 10 YEARS SCHOOL CHILDREN REGARDING ORAL HYGIENE IN A RURAL COMMUNITY IN LAHORE

Oral health refers to the state of the mouth, teeth, and other structures in the mouth that enable people to perform essential functions, such as eating, breathing, and speaking. It also includes psychosocial dimensions, such as self-confidence, well-being, and the ability to socialize and work without pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Malikpur community to assess the oral hygiene knowledge and practices of school-going children under 10. A structured, close-ended, and adopted questionnaire on 98 school children selected through a purposive sampling technique was used. The study revealed that 22% of the students needed to be made aware of the importance of changing toothbrushes, and 35% changed their toothbrushes only when they broke. Only 30% of the students rinsed their mouths after every meal, and a meager 20% knew about tongue cleaning. Based on the results, we conclude that while students in this community have sufficient knowledge about oral hygiene, their practices could be improved. Moreover, the low socio-economic status of their families also affects their oral hygiene practices.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Self-Perceived Halitosis among Undergraduate University Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The present cross-sectional observational study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of halitosis among undergraduate university students at Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A survey of 301 participants who answered a questionnaire on their self-perceived halitosis was undertaken. The response rate was 35% (301/863). Of the total, 54.5% of participants reported that they had experienced halitosis. A majority of participants (61.4%) responded to having experienced an unpleasant bad taste in the morning when they woke up, with most participants (42.4%) stating that their breath was the worst early in the morning. A majority of respondents (59.6%) reported that they were aware of their condition. Only 27% of the respondents stated that they had admitted to having undergone an examination for bad breath from their dentist, and 22.9% of the respondents reported that they had undergone an examination for conditions associated with bad breath. The measures used to reduce the condition were evenly distributed, with approximately one-third using mouthwash (34.6%), gum/mentos (38.3%), and toothpaste (27.2%). The incidence of self-perceived halitosis that was revealed in the current study is normal compare to others studies. It is unrelated to age and sex. Non-usage of dental floss, no use of mouthwash, and smoking, on the other hand, were shown to be associated with self-perceived halitosis. Furthermore, tongue cleaning was not linked to introspection halitosis. Halitosis may be also due to underlying systemic conditions. Hence it is necessary to evaluate the condition's prevalence and examine the relationship with other etiological variables with halitosis in our country.