Journal of Dentistry and Oral Care

Introduction: This pilot study compared the effect of tongue cleaning by using a tongue brush alone and the one of combined using a tongue brush and toothbrush. Materials and Methods: 20 healthy young men were studied. The effect of tongue cleaning was assessed according to the following three criteria, including a tongue coating index, H2S concentration and oral bacterial count. These criteria were applied after tooth brushing combined with tongue brushing and then compared with the data by using a tongue brush alone. To evaluate the need for ongoing combined oral cleaning, its effect was evaluated on the day after a 7-day cleaning regimen’s completion, and we compared it and the data obtained on the day before the study. Results: After using a tongue brush alone, the tongue coating index improved and the oral bacterial count decreased (p < 0.05). After combined oral cleaning with both a tongue brush and toothbrush, significant improvements were revealed for the three criteria (p < 0.01).While, no significant difference was observed in the tongue coating index, H2S concentration, and oral bacterial count between on the first day before cleaning and on the next day after the 7-day cleaning regimen completion. Conclusion: This study indicated that oral cleaning by using a tongue brush alone resulted in a minimal decrease in the oral bacterial count, but significant improvement was achieved by combined use with a toothbrush. The results also suggested the necessity of daily combined use of a tongue brush and toothbrush for maintenance of a healthy oral cavity. *Corresponding author: Mineka Yoshikawa, DDS PhD, Associate professor, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Advanced Prosthodontics, Kasumi 1-2-3, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan, Tel: +81-82257-5677; Fax +81-82-257-5679; E-mail: [email protected]