Tongue brushing versus tongue scraping
Rowley, E.J.; Schuchman, L.C.; Tishk, M.N.; Carlson, H.C.
Clinical Preventive Dentistry 9(6): 13-16
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0163-9633 PMID: 3505832 Document Number: 294706
The purposes of this examiner-blind study were to compare the effectiveness of tongue brushing and tongue scraping on patient plaque reaccumulation and lingivitis and patient acceptance of tongue brushing and tongue scraping. Twenty-seven subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: tongue scraping (N = 9), tongue brushing (N = 9), or control (N = 9). Data was collected at the initial appointment and at 2 weeks according to plaque and gingival indices. Following baseline data collection, a thorough oral prophylaxis was performed on each subject. Results from the the tongue brushing and tongue scraping groups showed no statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in plaque accumulation or gingivitis in a comparison of baseline and 2 week scores. Questionnaires completed at 2 weeks by subjects in the tongue brushing and tongue scraping groups revealed a triggering of the gag reflex in 44% of tongue scraping subjects and 78% (7) of tongue brushers. Twenty-two percent (2) in the tongue scraping group and 44% (4) of tongue brushers planned to continue use of their respective tongue cleaning technique.