Tongue Cleaning Research Articles

Tongue cleaning maintains respiratory function in older individuals: A 1-year randomised controlled trial.

The aim of this 1-year longitudinal randomised controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of tongue cleaning on the maintenance of respiratory function in older adults requiring care. The participants included 24 residents of two nursing homes in Kitakyushu, Japan. The participants were randomised to receive tongue cleaning with routine oral care (intervention group, n=12), or routine oral care alone (control group, n=12). Among the participants, three in the intervention group and four in the control group had cerebrovascular disease history, four in the intervention group and four in the control group had a history of cardiac disease, and five in the intervention group and four in the control group were without medical history. Respiratory function was assessed on the basis of the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Tongue pressure, swallowing function, oral health status, activities of daily living and nutritional status were also measured at baseline and at the end of the 1-year follow-up period. The number of analysed participants in each group was 12. In the control group, the PEFR (1.6 [0.4-4.2] Ls-1 vs 1.4 [0.4-3.2] Ls-1 , P=.034) and tongue pressure (16.4 [1.7-35.2] kPa vs 8.0 [1.4-38.6] kPa, P=.032) significantly declined after 1-year. However, the PEFR (1.5 [0.8-2.9] Ls-1 vs 1.6 [0.7-4.2] Ls-1 , P=.366) and tongue pressure (18.1 [4.2-37.1] kPa vs 16.1 [5.2-41] kPa, P=.307) were maintained in the intervention group. The change in the PEFR was significantly greater in the intervention group compared with the control group (0.130 [-0.45-1.70] Ls-1 vs -1.70 [-10.00-10.00] Ls-1 , P=.028). Our findings suggest that tongue cleaning may help maintain tongue and respiratory function in older adults requiring care.

Comparison Of Periodontal Health Of Orthodontic And Non-Orthodontic Patients

Objective: To compare the periodontal health status among orthodontic and non-orthodontic groups aged between 14-30 years of both genders. Study design And Setting: This comparative cross sectional study was conducted at Department of Orthodontics and Periodontics from January 2019-till June 2019 at dental Hospital of Bahria Dental College Karachi. Methodology: Those patients aged 14-30 under orthodontics treatment for about 3 months and were able to give consent were included in the study. Periodontal status among both groups (65 orthodontics and 65 non orthodontic) patients was evaluated with the help of CPITN probe on index teeth. To assess the oral hygiene status; the questionnaire was formulated regarding the use and frequency of toothbrush; use of interdental cleaners such as interdental brush, use of mouthwash, use of tongue cleaners and dental appointments. A single observer from periodontics department was appointed for observation and record data of patients coming to orthodontic department and to carry out a clinical examination. The data was scrutinized using SPSS 23, and using the chi-square test various other comparisons were performed. Results: Statistically significant association was observed in CPITN scores between the orthodontic and non-orthodontic patients (p < 0.05). Patients who underwent orthodontic treatment had increased plaque accumulation and probing depth which resulted in periodontal tissue destruction. Conclusion: It was concluded that the periodontal condition of ortho patients was deteriorating as compare to non ortho patient. There was no noticeable attachment loss found that could lead to mobility of the tooth and its loss

Oral Hygiene Practices, Knowledge, and Self-Reported Dental and Gingival Problems with Rural-Urban Disparities among Primary School children in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Aim To determine oral hygiene practices, knowledge, and experience of dental caries and gingival problems among urban and rural primary schoolchildren in Lilongwe District, Malawi. Methodology. This was an analytical and quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study. Four urban and four rural primary schools were conveniently sampled. Pupils aged 11–14 years (n = 409) were recruited using self-administered structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS program v20.0. Results Out of 409 pupils, most of them had knowledge that dental caries is caused by consumption of sugary foodstuffs (91.4%), toothache is a symptom of dental caries (77.6%), gingivitis is caused by ineffective tooth brushing (92.7%), and gingival bleeding is a sign of gingivitis (85.3%). Most pupils experienced toothache (30.8%); many of them had parents with secondary education and above (35.0%) compared to those with primary education (23.5%). 24.4% experienced gingival bleeding with higher percentages from urban (30.1%) than rural (18.5%) schools. Plastic toothbrush users (95%) overshadowed chewing stick users (24.9%). The use of chewing stick was significantly higher in rural (49%) than in urban (1.9%) schools. Likewise, tooth brushing before bed was significantly higher in rural (33%) than in urban (17.2%) pupils. The use of toothpaste during tooth brushing was significantly higher among urban (91.9%) than among rural (64%) pupils. The prevalence of tongue cleaning was 70.2%, and the differences were significantly higher among pupils who had parents with secondary and higher education in urban schools and among pupils aged 11–12 years in comparison with their counterparts. Conclusions Most pupils reported cleaning their teeth regularly, mostly using plastic toothbrush rather than chewing stick, using toothpaste, and having adequate knowledge about dental caries and gingival disease, and a quarter of them had suffered from these diseases with evidence of rural-urban disparities. Integration of oral health in school health promotion program and further research on its impact on oral health status are recommended.

Sistematización de la higiene oral en un paciente pediátrico: Reporte de Caso

Oral hygiene is an important step in the control of the biofilm, a factor related to diseases such as gingivitis and tooth decay. The systematization of oral hygiene in children is a set of measures that seeks to achieve sequential learning, thus guaranteeing a better elimination of the biofilm. Objetive: To show a sequence of systematized steps in oral hygiene in a pediatric patient with a definitely positive behavior. Case Report: Six year old female patient, without relevant medical history. On clinical intraoral examination presented biofilm accumulation and swollen gums. The presumptive diagnosis was marginal gingivitis associated with biofilm, the treatment included a preventive phase with motivation and education. The control of the disease evolution was carried out with a card of Systematization Technique of Oral Hygiene, the methodology included the recording of the educational sessions using videos and photographs. Results: the adequate use of the amount of toothpaste was achieved, the integrity was improved to 100%, the brushing time increased from 24 to 120 seconds and it was possible to add tongue brushing and not rinsing after brushing within the oral hygiene routine. Conclusion: The patient was able to clean all dental surfaces, using homogeneous times for each surface, following an orderly sequence in toothbrushing, as well as to acquire knowledge regarding the amount of toothpaste to use, tongue brushing and not rinsing after toothbrushing. The systematization of oral hygiene allowed us to achieve these achievements in six sessions.

Oral health perceptions, behaviors, and barriers among differently abled and healthy children.

To describe and compare the oral health perceptions, behaviors, and barriers for utilization of dental care among differently abled and healthy children. Participants in this cross-sectional study were differently abled and healthy children belonging to the age group of 7-15 years. A questionnaire for measuring the children's perceptions, behaviors, and barriers was developed, validated, and applied to this study. Cronbach's α was calculated to test reliability, and test-retest reliability was assessed by Pearson's correlation test. Chi-square/Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, and factor analysis were also applied. Statistical significant differences were defined as P<0.05, two-tailed. A total number of 300 children in each group participated in the study. The correlations of test and retest for the questionnaire ranged from 0.69 to 0.86 (P<0.05) with Cronbach's α score of 0.862. More than half in both the groups were aware of the presence of fluoride in their toothpaste, and parents agreed that a child's dental health is satisfactory yet only one-third of them perceived dental problems as serious. Regarding brushing twice daily, the frequency was better in the study group (26.3% and 17.3%, P=0.01), most of them changed their toothbrush between 3 and 6months (67.3% and 82.0%, P<0.001), and tongue cleaner were regularly used as an oral hygiene aid (62.3% and 88.5%, P=0.01). Members of the study group appear to have visited the dentist (26.0%) more as compared to the control group (17.7%) (P=0.01), and most of the respondents (50.0% and 41.5%) consulted the dentist on account of dental caries. In the study group, no priority care (8.82±2.81), difficulty in communicating with the dentist (7.85±1.92), treatment cost (6.90±1.98) and fear of dental instruments (6.90±1.98), respectively, were the barriers with the highest means of scores, whereas in the control group it was related to affordability and fear. Facilities in dental clinics excluding wheelchairs (76.3% and 76.7%) and corridor signs (66.3% and 61.7%) were lacking. Knowledge and attitude scores were adequate but there was a discrepancy present concerning oral health practices. Dental health was not viewed as a threat, and therefore, not many visited the dentist. Priority care and communication problems were the central issues among differently abled children, while among healthy children, the main factor was cost and fear.

Alternative therapies in controlling oral malodour: a systematic review

Is there a role for alternative therapies in controlling intra-oral halitosis? Treatments other than tongue cleaning and anti-halitosis products containing zinc, chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride were considered as alternative therapies. Four databases were searched (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library). Inclusion criteria were: examination of alternative halitosis therapies, study population with oral malodour, a (negative or positive) control group and evaluation of breath odour via organoleptic and/or instrumental assessment. Data were extracted for descriptive analysis. The screening of 7656 titles led to the inclusion of 26 articles. Analysis showed heterogeneity concerning the population of interest (from cysteine-induced to genuine halitosis), the examined treatment and the reported outcomes. This made a meta-analysis impossible. Essential oils, fluoride-containing products and herbal substances were the most studied. Results varied enormously and none of the active ingredients had an unambiguously positive effect on the malodour. The risk of bias was assessed as high in all articles. Given the fact that little evidence was found for each of the investigated treatments, it could be concluded that there is currently insufficient evidence that alternative therapies are of added value in the treatment of halitosis. Clinical relevance Scientific rationale: Halitosis is a common problem causing social isolation. Out of embarrassment, patients search the internet, leading to many questions about alternative solutions (e.g. oil pulling, herbs). This is the first systematic review on these alternative therapies. Principal findings: Results varied among studies. Some promising results were found for fluoride-containing toothpastes and probiotics. For other products (such as herbal and antibacterial products and essential oils) results were inconsistent. Long-term follow-up studies on these products are scarce. Moreover, the quality of the studies was poor. Practical implications: No clear evidence was found to support a certain alternative anti-halitosis therapy.

Knowledge, Behavior, and Attitude Towards Oral Health Among a Population Visiting a Dental College and Hospital in South India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective This study was carried out to assess the oral hygiene knowledge, attitude, and behavior amongst patients visiting the Department of Public health dentistry at MNR dental college and hospital, Sangareddy, which in turn helps to develop better oral health awareness programs and aids in assessing the current oral health knowledge status. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst the patients visiting the Department of Public health dentistry at MNR dental college and hospital, Sangareddy. A total of 216 patients were given a structured questionnaire with 15 questions. Responses from the patients were evaluated in terms of numbers and percentages. Results Most of the subjects had poor knowledge pertaining to oral hygiene practices. Nearly 47% do not consider using a tongue cleaner. Conclusion Implementation of various oral health programs highlighting the basic oral care regimen is necessary for improving oral health care.

Dry Mouth and Halitosis Management

It is obvious that our society is aging and the number of patients with dry mouth will increase in the future. In my opinion, if the dentists working at the local dental clinic pay a little more attention to these patients, they can perform a simple medical history check and the measurement of saliva secretion rate, and may make a clinical diagnosis for dry mouth. Dry mouth patients related to systemic diseases (especially Sjögren's syndrome) and to drug use need to be referred to a physician, and sialogogue for responders and artificial saliva for non-responders should be consid-ered preferentially. We should pay attention to dry mouth-related diseases such as halitosis, and halitosis can be effectively treated by improving oral hygiene including tongue brushing and using gargle solution.Aging cannot be avoided. Now is the time for all dentists to pay attention to the dry mouth that elderly patients may be experiencing.

A Case of Lingua Villosa Nigra (Black Hairy Tongue) in a 3-Month-Old Infant

Patient: Female, 3-month-oldFinal Diagnosis: Black hairy tongueSymptoms: Discolored tongueMedication:—Clinical Procedure: Gentle tongue brushingSpecialty: Pediatrics and NeonatologyObjective:Rare diseaseBackground:Black hairy tongue is a self-limiting, usually asymptomatic, benign lesion that most often affects men and people aged over 30–40 years. The lesion is extremely rare among newborns and infants. Lingua villosa nigra is characterized by the presence of elongated filiform papillae of the dorsum of the tongue, which gives a hairy appearance. The overgrown papillae can accumulate fungi, bacteria, pigments originating from food, or any other debris that can contribute to the discoloration of the tongue. The prognosis for black hairy tongue is positive. Gentle tongue brushing or scraping as well as the elimination of predisposing factors usually leads to cessation of the lesion.Case Report:A generally healthy, exclusively breastfed 3-month-old female baby was admitted to the Oral Pathology Department of Wrocław Medical University due to a persistent tongue lesion. Intraorally, dark, blackish, elongated tongue papillae were observed. Three weeks earlier, the baby’s pediatrician had diagnosed thrush and prescribed systemic antifungal treatment with Nystatinum, without prior mycological examination. The lesion did not resolve and the girl was referred to the Department of Oral Pathology. A meticulous medical and dietary interview revealed that since the 28th day of life the baby had been supplemented with vitamin C. This, together with an intraoral examination, led to the diagnosis of black hairy tongue. The lesion disappeared partially after 4 weeks of tongue brushing.Conclusions:To prevent infants from undergoing persistent and unnecessary treatment (topical or systemic drugs) or additional diagnostic procedures, such as biopsy, it is essential to be familiar with the characteristics of lingua villosa nigra as well as its origin and management. The consideration of this condition is invaluable for babies’ health and safety.

Halitosis.

Halitosis is a widespread condition presenting several social and psychological implications, leading to a reduction in the quality of life of an individual. Halitosis, per definition, defines an unpleasant smell of the exhaled air, independent of its etiology. It can have a long-term prevalence or be transient, making it difficult to establish this symptom's epidemiology. Oral malodor can be attributed to a high local concentration of intraoral microbial populations, particularly those of the tongue's biofilm, as well as the biofilms associated with teeth and periodontal tissue. Frequently, the treatment options rely on improving oral health via tongue cleaning, detecting periodontal diseases, insufficient dental restorations, alternating diets, and/or alleviating local factors. Different methods targeting specific bacteria species have been designed to improve this condition. The aim here is to underline the correlation between oral biofilms and halitosis, describing prime bacteria species influencing oral malodor and addressing new concepts to ameliorate this condition.

Efficacy of ultrasonic mechanical instrumentation with and without chlorhexidine in treatment of chronic periodontitis

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ultrasonic mechanical instrumentation (UMI) along with the professional use of chlorhexidine (CHX) compared with UMI alone during periodontal supportive therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis. Material and Methods: A total of twenty patients were included in the study and were divided into test and control group. The test group (ten patients) was treated with a single session of UMI along with subgingival irrigation under cavitation with CHX 0.02%. A 0.2% CHX solution was used for professional tongue brushing and mouth rinsing. The control group (ten patients) received a similar single session of UMI along with subgingival irrigation and professional tongue brushing and mouth rinsing with a control formulation. Clinical and microbiological parameters were assessed pre-treatment at 3 and 6 weeks post­treatment. Results: Results showed that there was a significant reduction of supragingival plaque and gingival inflammation as well as a significant reduction of subgingival bacterial pathogens in both test and control groups. The additional use of CHX did not result in any additional clinical and microbiological benefit with respect to UMI alone. Conclusion: CHX formulations in conjunction with UMI seems to produce no additional benefits over UMI alone during supportive therapy in chronic periodontitis patients. Keywords: Chlorhexidine, Chronic Periodontitis, Piezoelectric Ultrasonic, Subgingival Microbiota.

Treatment of halitosis with photodynamic therapy in older adults with complete dentures: A randomized, controlled, clinical trial.

Halitosis of oral origin is mainly caused by the release of H2S (hydrogen sulfide) by bacteria lodged on the tongue. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been evaluated for the treatment of halitosis, but there are no previous reports of the use of this treatment modality in older people with dentures. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of aPDT and tongue scraping (standard treatment) in older people with complete dentures diagnosed with halitosis (H2S gas concentration>112 ppb). The participants were divided into two groups: G1- treatment with a tongue scraper (n = 20); G2- treatment with aPDT (n = 20). Halimeter testing was performed before and after treatments using gas chromatography and was repeated after seven days. After treatment, the group treated with aPDT had a lower mean concentration of H2S gas (18.5 ppb) than the tongue scraping group (185.3 ppb). After one week, the mean concentration of H2S increased to 218.2 ppb in the tongue scraping group and 39 ppb in the PDT group. Both treatments were able to reduce the concentration of H2S but only treatment with aPDT was able to decrease halitosis to socially unnoticeable levels. Moreover, this normal breath condition remained for seven days only in the aPDT group.

Oral hygiene associated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy or lingual scraper in the reduction of halitosis after 90 days follow up: A randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial.

Although antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) can reduce halitosis immediately after application, it returns after a week. This probably occurs because bacteria residing in the oral cavity may recolonize the dorsum of the tongue. Verify if modification of oral hygiene behavior associated with aPDT or lingual scraper can reduce halitosis after a 90-day follow-up. Forty adults with positive halitosis were randomized in G1 (n = 20) -aPDT + oral hygiene behavior (OHB) or G2 (n = 20)- lingual scraper + OHB. G1 group were submitted to 0.005 % methylene blue in the middle and posterior third of the tongue, with pre-irradiation of 1 min. Irradiations were performed with red laser diode (λ =660 nm), 100 mW, 318 J/cm2, 3537 mW/cm2, 9 J per point at 6 points. In the G2 group, the tongue was scraped 10 times on the right side and on the left side with a tongue scraper. All patients were instructed on OHB at baseline, 7 and 90 days (guidance on the use of dental floss and the Bass technique for brushing). Halitosis was evaluated by gas chromatography (OralChroma®). Values ​​> 112 ppb for Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas was considered positive halitosis. Methylmercaptanes and dimethylsulfide were also measured. The gas measures were assessed at baseline, immediately, and at 7 and 90 days. Paired t-test was used for the statistical analysis. For comparison between groups, the t-test was used. Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. There was no difference between groups immediately after treatment (p = .1532) after 7 days (p = 0.9312) and 90 days (p = 0.6642). For the aPDT group, there was a decrease in hydrogen sulfide ​​immediately after treatment (p = 0.0001), after 7 days, values remained 3-fold smaller (p = 0.0088) and 2-fold smaller after 90 days (p = 0.0270). For the scraper group, there was a decrease immediately after treatment (p = 0.0001), the values remains 2-fold smaller ​​(p = 0.0003) after 7 days and 3 months (p = 0.0001). The oral hygiene behavior associated with aPDT or tongue scraper was not able to reduce halitosis after 90-day follow-up. Despite halitosis remaining ​​ higher than 112 ppb in all follow-up periods, the mean values remain 2 or 3 fold smaller than baseline values. Future studies should include other oral hygiene behavior to achieve better results in the treatment of halitosis.

Mechanical tongue cleaning is a worthwhile procedure to improve the taste sensation.

There are still only a few therapeutic strategies to improve taste sensation, which is part of oral health and quality of life. Therefore, here we aimed to investigate gustatory functions of healthy subjects performing mechanical tongue cleaning (MTC), an easy-to-perform oral hygiene procedure, to demonstrate taste changes and to describe possible negative side effects. Prior to and 14days following MTC with an Orabrush® , the following tests were conducted in 65 healthy participants including both non-smokers (n=50, 76.9%) and smokers (n=15, 23.1%): 'taste strips' test, the Winkel Tongue Coating Index (WTCI), and subjective self-assessment. Among non-smokers, subjective self-assessments of gustatory function (P<.01), halitosis (P=.03) and tongue coating (P<.01) improved after 14days of MTC; furthermore, they exhibited higher total taste (P<.01) and lower WTCI (P<.01) values. Their age and sex did not correlate with the differences between the pre- and post-MTC WTCI scores; however, differences between pre- and post-MTC total taste values were correlated with age. The total taste value improvements were greater in non-smokers aged 45-91years than in those aged 20-44years (P=.01). In smokers, total taste values (P<.01), as well as sweet (P=.03) and sour (P=.04) taste values, were significantly improved after 14days of MTC. Fourteen days of MTC using an Orabrush® can improve gustatory functions in non-smokers and smokers. Therefore, MTC might be a useful, costless and easy option to improve taste and should be considered as a part of the daily oral care.

The Influence of Tongue Cleaning Habit on the Occurrence of Adverse Halitosis Outcomes: A Review of Literature on the Current Evidence

The Influence of Tongue Cleaning Habit on the Occurrence of Adverse Halitosis Outcomes: A Review of Literature on the Current Evidence

Antimicrobial capacity of photodynamic therapy on oral health-related quality of life and halitosis among elderly patients wearing removal dentures.

The aim of the present clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of halitosis in elderly patients wearing dentures. Elderly patients (>60 years age) wearing complete dentures and diagnosed with halitosis (H2S levels >112 ppb) were divided into two groups: patients undergoing treatment with tongue scraper and full mouth disinfection (Group I) and patients undergoing treatment with tongue scraper, full mouth disinfection and single application of PDT (Group II). Oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) was assessed using a 14-point Likert scale used in oral health impact profile (OHIP). The assessment of halitosis was done with the help of a device called Oral Chroma™. Microbial sampling for detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) was performed from the dorsum of the tongue using a sterile swab at baseline and after treatment on day 5, 15 and 30 and quantified using polymerase chain reaction. Forty elderly patients with halitosis completed the trial. The mean age in Group I and Group II was estimated to be 66.42 years and 67.91 years, respectively. Group II participants also maintained good OHRQoL in the post-operative period that reported statistically significant difference when compared with the control group (p < 0.01). Group II showed significant improvement in H2S concentration values at final analysis compared to Group-I (p = 0.001). P. gingivalis showed statistically significant reduction on day 5 only with PDT in Group II (p < 0.05). Antimicrobial PDT helped in reducing H2S gas concentration and improving quality of life in elderly patients wearing dentures. A significant reduction of P. gingivalis occurred only in the short-term follow-up.

How Periodontal Disease and Presence of Nitric Oxide Reducing Oral Bacteria Can Affect Blood Pressure.

Nitric oxide (NO), a small gaseous and multifunctional signaling molecule, is involved in the maintenance of metabolic and cardiovascular homeostasis. It is endogenously produced in the vascular endothelium by specific enzymes known as NO synthases (NOSs). Subsequently, NO is readily oxidized to nitrite and nitrate. Nitrite is also derived from exogenous inorganic nitrate (NO3) contained in meat, vegetables, and drinking water, resulting in greater plasma NO2 concentration and major reduction in systemic blood pressure (BP). The recycling process of nitrate and nitrite to NO (nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway), known as the enterosalivary cycle of nitrate, is dependent upon oral commensal nitrate-reducing bacteria of the dorsal tongue. Veillonella, Actinomyces, Haemophilus, and Neisseria are the most copious among the nitrate-reducing bacteria. The use of chlorhexidine mouthwashes and tongue cleaning can mitigate the bacterial nitrate-related BP lowering effects. Imbalances in the oral reducing microbiota have been associated with a decrease of NO, promoting endothelial dysfunction, and increased cardiovascular risk. Although there is a relationship between periodontitis and hypertension (HT), the correlation between nitrate-reducing bacteria and HT has been poorly studied. Restoring the oral flora and NO activity by probiotics may be considered a potential therapeutic strategy to treat HT.

Awareness on oral hygiene practices among rural primary school teachers

Oral disease can be viewed as a general medical issue because of its high pervasiveness and huge social effect. Interminable oral ailment ordinarily prompts tooth loss and has a physical, psychological and monetary impact. This survey was done to assess the awareness on oral hygiene practices among rural primary school teachers. A closed-ended questionnaire, consisting of 10 components, was distributed among rural primary school teachers in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu, India (n=127). The questionnaire elicited knowledge and practices of oral hygiene, their brushing habits, use of toothpaste, powder, use of mouth rinses, the practice of night brushing and tongue cleaning. The responses were collected and analysed. 100% of the respondents practice regular tooth brushing.42% of them brushed both during the morning and night and 58% brushed in the morning,96% used toothpaste and 4% used tooth powder.34% used mouth rinses.16% used tongue cleaners. The findings of the study indicated that the awareness and knowledge of oral hygiene among primary school teachers in the rural district of Salem was good. Teachers, nevertheless, need educational programs, workshops and symposiums on oral health issues to further empower them to educate the students.

Oral Hygiene Practices, Smoking Habits and Self-Percieved Oral Malodor among Dental Students

Objective: 1.To assess the oral hygiene practices of dental students. 2. To assess the smoking habits among dental students. 3. To assess the self-perception of bad breath. 4. To determine the differences of self perception of halitosis and oral hygiene practices among male and female students. Materials and Method: This descriptive study contains a questionnaire to assess the self perceptionof bad breath, tooth decay, dryness of mouth, bleeding gums, prevelance of smoking habits, oral hygiene practicesamong the dental students of saveetha dental college, Chennai. 386 students were randomly involved in the study to achieve the sample size. The data was collected and statistically evaluated using SPSS software. Results and Conclusion: The response rate was 92.5%. Smoking was prevalent among 8% of male students, out of which 83% have been smoking for the past 5 years. Almost 94% had a desire to quit tobacco. 68.7% brushed twice daily while 4.7% students brushed more than two times. 93.3% dental students are found to be using other oral hygiene aids. 42.7% students used mouthwash whereas 23.3% use tongue cleaner. Dental caries was prevalent among 25.6% of students, bleeding gums among 7.5% and dryness of mouth among 6.7%. 27% students could perceive oral breath, whereas only 5% students experienced interference at their work. Morning breath was common among 64.5% of students, both male and female. The correlation between tobacco usage and its effect on oral cavity was assessed. 17.2% of students who use tobacco have reported bleeding gums and 20.7% smokers reported dryness of mouth.

THE DENTAL STATUS OF DENTISTS WITH BURNOUT SYNDROME

The aim of the present study was to identify the dependence of the frequency and quality of hygiene habits on signs of burnout. The survey was conducted on the Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire. Own questionnaire was also used to identify the dependence of the frequency and quality of hygiene habits on signs of burnout. The survey results were confirmed by data on the prevalence, intensity of caries and the hygienic condition of the oral cavity. The study included 112 dentists; Dentists filled out questionnaires, as a result of which it became clear whether they had burnout, whether their motivation to maintain oral hygiene changed. Oral hygiene, caries prevalence and caries intensity level were also evaluated. 96 dentists showed signs of burnout. The study revealed an association between the motivation for the oral hygienic course and the severity of burnout syndrome among dental professionals. Oral care worsened significantly - 47% of those who had signs of the syndrome used a toothbrush only once a day or less often. The number of dentists using dental floss decreased (only 27% of all respondents) and tongue scraper (only 15%). Mouth rinsers used only 2% of all tested. With an increase in the severity of burnout OHI-S increased by 62% and the incidence of caries increased by 51,6%. Decrease in dentists' motivation for hygienic oral care has been associated with signs of burnout. With increasing severity of burnout dentists had less motivation for individual oral hygiene. Revealed burning mouth syndrome in dentists had a psychogenic origin and was associated with burnout syndrome.