Effect of tongue brushing on oral malodor in adolescents

Background: Halitosis is a common problem in humans, and is a social and psychological handicap for those affected by it. Halitosis has a positive correlation with the accumulation of bacterial plaque in the oral cavity. Aims: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of tongue brushing on oral malodor in adolescents. Methods: The subjects of the investigation were 28 adolescents who had oral malodor and whose average age was 16 +/- 0.12 years. Subjects were chosen to participate in the study if they had an established routine of oral care, and did not have systemic or periodontal disease or dentures (such as fixed prosthesis or partial and total dentures). The subjects with oral malodor were randomly assigned into two groups. Individuals in the first group received instructions regarding professional procedures of oral care from a periodontist. In addition, individuals in this group had the surface of their tongue cleaned using a hard toothbrush, wetted with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate. Individuals in the second group (control) underwent the same professional procedures of oral care executed by the same periodontist, however, they did not have their tongues cleaned. Oral malodor of individuals was then evaluated for all individuals using the organoleptic method. The pH of the subjects tongues were recorded before and after treatment. The results of the oral malodor test were compared between the two groups. Results: The results of the study found that oral malodor scores obtained by an organoleptic method was more severe in the second group than the first group, and statistical differences were found between the two groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion: These results revealed that accumulation of bacterial plaque on the tongue is an important factor for oral malodor in the adolescents. Oral malodor levels were significantly reduced after cleaning the surface of the tongue. Thus, tongue care shouldn't be neglected in order to avoid oral malodor.