J Korean Acad Periodontol.  2008 Dec;38(4):699-708. 10.5051/jkape.2008.38.4.699.

The effect of tongue cleaner-equipped manual toothbrush on tooth and tongue cleanness and malodor index

• Kim TI
• Hong SP
• Lee SJ
• Kang BS
• Oh YS
• Kim IK
• Oh MH

• KMID: 1999602
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5051/jkape.2008.38.4.699

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tongue cleaner-equipped manual toothbrush on tooth cleanness, tongue cleanness and malodor index.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
504 subjects were included in this study. At 1st visit, basic information such as age, sex, smoking amount and alcohol consumption was recorded. Self assessment by individual subjects was performed regarding satisfaction to old toothbrush and toothbrushing habit. Tooth cleanness, tongue cleanness and malodor index was assessed by professional researcher. Tongue cleaner-equipped manual toothbrush was given to each subject with proper toothbrushing instruction. After 1 month passed, self assessment and researcher assessment regarding the same index were performed and analyzed statistically by chi-square test.
RESULTS
At 1st visit subjects seem to ignore tongue cleansing and showed poor tooth cleanness index, tongue cleanness index and malodor index, however the same subjects were motivated to clean their tongue and teeth and presented statistically improved distribution pattern in tooth cleanness index, tongue cleanness index and malodor index after using tongue cleaner-equipped manual toothbrush(p<0.01). Satisfaction to tongue cleaner-equipped manual toothbrush was 98%.
CONCLUSION
Tongue cleaner-equipped manual toothbrush would be an effective tool for maintaining good oral hygiene through improving tooth and tongue cleanness and preventing malodor formation.

Keyword

malodor; oral hygiene; tongue cleaner; tongue coating; toothbrush

MeSH Terms

Alcohol Drinking
Oral Hygiene
Self-Assessment
Smoke
Smoking
Tongue
Tooth
Toothbrushing
Smoke