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Jayachandra, M. G.
- Effect of Two Tongue Cleaning Methods on Oral Mutans Streptococci Level
Authors
1 Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere-577004, IN
2 Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, KLES’s Institute of dental sciences, Nehru Nagar, Belgaum, IN
3 Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, S.S. Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Davangere-577005, Karnataka, IN
Source
Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, Vol 3, No 2 (2012), Pagination: 68-71Abstract
Background
Tongue scraping and brushing have been appreciated for hundreds of years but are still appreciated or used by the public. Scientific evidence has validated the need to practice habitual and tongue cleaning as part of daily home oral hygiene procedures.
Objective
To assess and compare the effect of tongue scraping and tongue brushing on oral Mutans streptococci level.
Methods
20 healthy subjects aged 14 to 15 years were randomly selected. Flat plastic tongue scraper and Nylon multitufted small headed tooth brush are the two tongue cleaning devise used. Unstimulated salivary samples were obtained at4 intervals from each individual. Salivary samples were inoculated on Mitis Salivary Agar Plate and Sorbital Broth was used for identification of Mutans streptococci group.
Results
Paired and unpaired 't' test were employed. Reduiction in the Mutans streptococci level from 48.4X104 CFU and 38.3X104 CFU at baseline in tongue scraping and tongue brushing group respectively to 0.34X104 and 0.39X104 CFU after 7th day.
Conclusion
Both tongue coating removal methods evaluated were efficient in reducing Mutans streptococci level. This implies that physical removal of the coating on the dorsum of the tongue is important and not the method used for the same.
Keywords
Tongue Scraping, Tongue Brushing, Tongue Cleaning, Mutans Streptococci
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