Oral malodor reduction by a combination of chemotherapeutical and mechanical treatments

Bacterial proliferation and plaque accumulation on the surface of the tongue are major factors contributing to oral malodor. In this research, we used subjective and objective methods to evaluate the breath benefit of a triclosan-containing dentifrice (Blend-a-Med Complete Night) with and without tongue brushing in a randomized, examiner-blinded, three-period crossover clinical trial. Twenty-nine adults (mean age 40.2 years) with morning malodor were randomly assigned to a treatment sequence: triclosan dentifrice, triclosan dentifrice plus tongue brushing, and a control dentifrice (Crest Cavity Protection). The subjects used each product four times in 27 h with a 2-day wash-out period between treatments. Halimeter measurements were taken at baseline and at 3, 24 and 27 h. Subject questionnaire data assessing the breath quality were collected at 24 and 27 h. Both triclosan regimens showed significant improvement in oral malodor (p<0.03) relative to the control. Significant (p=0.035) malodor benefit was observed when tooth brushing with triclosan dentifrice was supplemented with tongue brushing. The triclosan dentifrice was associated with significant improvement (p<0.05) in morning mouth feel and feeling of clean and fresh breath during the day relative to the control. There were no adverse events reported. The triclosan dentifrice was effective against overnight and daytime oral malodor. Supplementing routine brushing with tongue brushing resulted in additional breath improvement and breath benefits of the triclosan dentifrice were first-person noticeable.