A new technique for tongue brushing and halitosis reduction: the X technique

Abstract The tongue is one of the primary sources of halitosis. The manual or mechanical removal of biofilm is known to decrease oral malodor. Objective: To evaluate a new tongue hygiene technique hereby referred to as "the X technique" and its effects on both halitosis and the number of microorganisms based on microbiological parameters and diagnostic features of the breath. Material and Methods: The study included thirty patients divided into a control group (patients without systematized guidelines of lingual hygiene, but who performed the mechanical cleaning of tongue dorsum, each in its own way), the 3R group (instructed to perform the movements of the X technique for 3 repetitions at each brushing), and the 6R group (instructed to perform 6 repetitions of the technique at each brushing). After two weeks, a new data collection was performed. Results: Patients in the 6R group presented the lowest score on the organoleptic assessment scale at the second consultation, followed by the 3R group and the controls. Regarding the self-perception of breath by the method of Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the control group did not perceive improvements in oral malodor; the results of the 3R group and the 6R group were similar. Conclusion: These results indicate that the X technique improves both measurements and perceptions of halitosis. Microbiological analyses revealed greatest reduction in the 6R group. The findings show that the X technique reduces both organoleptic scores and the number of bacterial colonies, and improves users' perceptions of their breath.

Biomateriais utilizados em substituição ao enxerto autógeno de gengiva / Biomaterials used in replacement of gingival autograft

A utilização de biomateriais na tentativa de reparar ou substituir tecidos perdidos não é recente e evoluiu juntamente com os avanços da medicina regenerativa visando à maior qualidade de vida da população. Na Odontologia a compreensão dos aspectos biomiméticos envolvidos após implantação de biomateriais como substitutos de tecido mole é de suma importância na prática clínica, uma vez que o enxerto autógeno de gengiva, considerado padrão ouro, possui inúmeras limitações em relação à dimensão da área a ser reparada, tempo cirúrgico e dor pós-operatória na loja doadora. Esta revisão tem como objetivo reunir estudos que propõem a utilização de substitutos ao enxerto autógeno de palato, ressaltando suas aplicabilidades, contraindicações, disponibilidade no mercado, além de resultados clínicos.(AU)

The use of biomaterials to repair or replace lost tissues is not new and has evolved with advances in regenerative medicine aimed at higher quality of life of the population. In dentistry, the understanding of biomimetic aspects after implantation of biomaterials used as soft tissue replacements is significant in practice, since the autograft gum considered the gold standard has many limitations regarding the size of the area to berepaired surgical time and postoperative pain in the donor area.This review aims to bring together studies that propose substitutes to autograft palate, highlighting its applicability, contraindications, availability in the market, and clinical outcomes. (AU)