A structural color hydrogel for diagnosis of halitosis and screening of periodontitis.

Oral pathogens can produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which is the main reason for halitosis and indicates the risk of periodontitis. High-sensitivity detection of exhaled VSCs is urgently desired for promoting the point-of-care testing (POCT) of halitosis and screening of periodontitis. However, current detection methods often require bulky and costly instruments, as well as professional training, making them impractical for widespread detection. Here, a structural color hydrogel for naked-eye detection of exhaled VSCs is presented. VSCs can reduce disulfide bonds within the network, leading to expansion of the hydrogel and thus change of the structural color. A linear detection range of 0-1 ppm with a detection limit of 61 ppb can be achieved, covering the typical VSC concentration in the breath of patients with periodontitis. Furthermore, visual and in situ monitoring of Porphyromonas gingivalis responsible for periodontitis can be realized. By integrating the hydrogels into a sensor array, the oral health conditions of patients with halitosis can be evaluated and distinguished, offering risk assessment of periodontitis. Combined with a smartphone capable of color analysis, POCT of VSCs can be achieved, providing an approach for the monitoring of halitosis and screening of periodontitis.

Multi-function screening of probiotics to improve oral health and evaluating their efficacy in a rat periodontitis model.

The oral cavity is the second most microbially rich region of the human body, and many studies have shown that there is a strong association between microorganisms and oral health. Some pathogenic bacteria produce biofilms and harmful metabolites in the mouth that may cause oral problems such as oral malodor, periodontitis, and dental caries. Altering the oral microbiota by using probiotics may alleviate oral health problems. Thus, using multi-function screening, we aimed to identify probiotics that can significantly improve oral health. The main parameters were the inhibition of pathogenic bacteria growth, inhibition of biofilm formation, reduction in the production of indole, H2S, and NH3 metabolites that cause halitosis, increase in the production of H2O2 to combat harmful bacteria, and co-aggregation with pathogens to prevent their adhesion and colonization in the oral cavity. Tolerance to cholic acid and choline was also assessed. Bifidobacterium animalis ZK-77, Lactobacillus salivarius ZK-88, and Streptococcus salivarius ZK-102 had antibacterial activity and inhibited biofilm production to prevent caries. They also improved the oral malodor parameter, H2S, NH3, and indole production. The selected probiotics (especially L. salivarius ZK-88) alleviated the inflammation in the oral cavity of rats with periodontitis. The analysis of the gingival crevicular fluid microbiome after probiotic intervention showed that B. animalis ZK-77 likely helped to restore the oral microbiota and maintain the oral microecology. Next, we determined the best prebiotics for each candidate probiotic in order to obtain a formulation with improved effects. We then verified that a probiotics/prebiotic combination (B. animalis ZK-77, L. salivarius ZK-88, and fructooligosaccharides) significantly improved halitosis and teeth color in cats. Using whole-genome sequencing and acute toxicity mouse experiments involving the two probiotics, we found that neither probiotic had virulence genes and they had no significant effects on the growth or development of mice, indicating their safety. Taking the results together, B. animalis ZK-77 and L. salivarius ZK-88 can improve oral health, as verified by in vivo and in vitro experiments. This study provides a reference for clinical research and also provides new evidence for the oral health benefits of probiotics.

Halitosis: etiology, prevention, and the role of microbiota.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to review halitosis research, discuss its various causes, and propose effective interventions based on the underlying etiologies and mechanisms. The main research question is to identify the primary factors contributing to halitosis and appropriate strategies to address them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted on halitosis and its associated causes, including oral pathological factors, oral microbial influences, microbial metabolic pathways, gastrointestinal diseases, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. RESULTS: Unhealthy eating habits and an imbalance of microorganisms in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract were identified as primary causes of halitosis. Dental caries, periodontal disease, xerostomia, and digestive disorders like gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome were also found to be related to the development of halitosis. Due to poor oral hygiene or antibiotic use, disruption of microbial communities can result in dysbiosis, inflammation, and halitosis. CONCLUSIONS: Halitosis is a multifactorial condition with various underlying causes, including oral and systemic diseases. Effective interventions should be tailored based on the specific etiologies and mechanisms involved. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the factors contributing to halitosis is crucial for developing appropriate treatment strategies. Enhancing oral hygiene habits, using antimicrobial drugs, or administering probiotics may help regulate oral or intestinal flora, thereby improving halitosis and overall oral health.

The effect of mastic mouthwash on halitosis and oral hygiene in orthodontic patients: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this trial was to investigate the effect of mastic mouthwash on halitosis using as a proxy the levels of the Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs), and the effect on plaque and gingival indices in adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed conventional labial appliances. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial. Thirty patients with fixed orthodontic appliances were randomly allocated at a 1:1 ratio, to either the mastic-mouthwash or the placebo-mouthwash group. Eligibility criteria included ages between 13 and 18, active orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances, good general health, and total initial VSCs levels above 150 ppb. The primary outcome was the objective hydrogen sulfide (H2S) level, measured with the Oral ChromaTM device. The secondary outcomes were (1.) the methyl-mercaptan (CH3SH) and (2.) dimethyl sulfide [(CH3)2S] levels, measured with the same device, (3.) the subjective perception of the own malodour via questionnaires, and (4.) the oral hygiene assessed with the use of the Modified Silness and Löe Plaque Index (PI-M) and the Silness and Löe Gingival Index (GI) at baseline (T0) and after 2 weeks (T1). Stratified randomization by gender was used, and allocation was concealed with opaque numbered sealed envelopes. RESULTS: H2S level dropped from 221.00 ppb (T0) to 125.00 ppb (T1), and the difference between treatment groups was statistically significant in favour of the mastic group (coef: 72.34, 95% CI: 8.48, 136.27, P = 0.03). The levels of the other VSCs, the subjective measurements of oral malodour, and the oral hygiene indices did not differ between treatment arms. LIMITATIONS: The objective organoleptic assessment by a calibrated examiner was not performed. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Mastic mouthwashes could be an alternative treatment for adolescent patients suffering from halitosis during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT05647369).

Effects of thyme on halitosis in gingivitis patients: Can thyme mouthwash prevent halitosis-A randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: Bad breath is a condition that negatively affects people's social interactions and quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of thyme mouthwash on intraoral halitosis, gingival index (GI) and plaque index (PI) in patients with gingivitis. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 60 gingivitis patients (30 women/30 men) received initial periodontal treatment followed by oral hygiene instructions (OHI) and then were divided into four groups: The control group (C) received only OHI, while chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash was prescribed to the CHX group, Zinc acetate and CHX diacetate mouthwash was prescribed to the zinc acetate and CHX diacetate (ZnA) group, and the thyme (T) group was instructed to use thyme mouthwash. GI, PI and volatile sulfur compound (VSC) values were recorded at baseline and at the first week of treatment. RESULTS: The initial values of the recorded parameters did not differ significantly between the groups. In all groups, VSCs, GI and PI decreased after treatment (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the PI values of the groups after treatment (p = 0.188). On the contrary, the GI and VSC values after treatment were significantly different between the groups (p = 0.001). GI values were highest in the control group and lowest in the CHX group. In terms of VSCs, a significant difference was found between groups T and C, and between groups T and ZnA (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the use of thyme mouthwash after periodontal treatment was effective in improving bad breath and gingivitis in gingivitis patients.

Effect of face masks on salivary parameters and halitosis: Randomized controlled crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Face masking is associated with self-perceived dry mouth and halitosis. Aim of the study was to measure the effect of different face masks on salivary parameters and halitosis. METHODS: The randomized controlled crossover clinical trial with four periods included 40 oral healthy participants using different face masks (cloth mask, surgical mask, filtering facepiece 2 [FFP2] mask) or no mask (control) for 4 h in random order. Unstimulated salivary flow rate (primary outcome) and stimulated salivary flow rate, salivary pH and buffer capacity of stimulated and unstimulated saliva (secondary outcomes, blinded), and volatile sulfur compounds (secondary outcome) were measured before and after the 4-h periods. Statistical analysis was performed by repeated measures ANOVA (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Of 40 randomized participants, 39 completed the study. Unstimulated salivary flow rate prior to face masking amounted to 0.6 ± 0.3 ml/min. Face masking had no significant effect on unstimulated salivary flow (p = 0.550). Face masking had also no significant effect on the other salivary parameters (p ≥ 0.518). The concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) prior to face masking amounted to 157.3 ± 59.7 ppb. After face masking, the concentration of VSC increased slightly, but not significantly (p = 0.055): 168.1 ± 76.3 ppb (control), 199.3 ± 132.7 ppb (cloth masks), 188.5 ± 101.1 ppb (surgical masks), and 189.7 ± 90.1 ppb (FFP2 masks). CONCLUSION: Four hours of face masking did not change the salivary flow rate, pH, and buffer capacity, and had no significant effect on VSC's levels. Wearing face masks does not seem to result in measurable side-effects on salivary parameters such as a reduced salivary flow rate or VSC's levels. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04914208) on June 4, 2021.

Effects of single rinse with three different types of mouthwashes on VSCs levels in morning breath: Randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Morning breath is a temporary and unpleasant malodour sourced from the mouth, which occurs upon awakening. This double-blind, crossover, randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the bad-breath suppression of three commercially available mouthwashes: Mentadent Professional® Chlorhexidine 0.05% with vitamin C (ChxC), Meridol Alito Sicuro® (SnF2 ) and CB12® (ZnChx) compared to a placebo (PbO) on morning halitosis. METHODS: Thirty-two subjects refraining from oral hygiene practices for 12 h before the evaluation, performed a 30-s rinse with 15 ml of mouthwash, followed by a 5-s gargle, in the evening before bedtime. In order to assess morning halitosis, visual inspection (Winkel Tongue Coating Index), organoleptic (Rosenberg index) and chromatographic measurements were used. Gas chromatography was carried out by means of a dedicated device, the Oral Chroma. The recorded measurements have to be considered solely after the rinse since no data about the pre-exposure were available. A washout period of 1 week passed between one administration and the next. RESULTS: The mean value of the organoleptic indices after administration of ChxC mouthwash is similar to ZnChx, SnF2 and PbO values. Thus, no statistically significant differences were recorded among the mouthwashes and PbO. Nevertheless, ChxC seems to be more efficient in comparison with the PbO regarding VSCs levels analysed with Oral Chroma, (CH3 SH; p = 0.0081) and [(CH3 )2 S; p = 0.0003]. CONCLUSION: Considering our limited sample, instrumental examination demonstrated that the use of the analysed mouthwashes can result in low VSCs levels after 12 h from a single rinse. Furthermore, the highest number of patients (n = 14) were proved to be free from bad smell after using a single administration of ChxC with respect to the other commercial products. The other tested mouthwashes did not show better performances with respect to the placebo after a single rinse.

Halitose: uma abordagem individualizada

Nesta live o Dr. Mario Sergio Giorgi vai falar sobre a halitose e o tratamento individualizado, valorizando as alterações comportamentais e as formas de abordagem e tratamento. Participação especial do Dr. Marcio Ueda, Coordenador Científico da APH Jovem.

Efficacy of Melaleuca alternifolia and chlorhexidine mouth rinses in reducing oral malodor and Solobacterium moorei levels. A 1 week, randomized, double-blind, parallel study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective is to evaluate the association of Solobacterium moorei (S. moorei) to halitosis and to also check for the effects of two different mouth rinses on levels of S. moorei in saliva and tongue coating and its impact on oral halitosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a placebo-controlled parallel study of 160 individuals who were randomized and the study was performed using double-blinded protocol. Enrolled individuals filled a structured questionnaire regarding demographic data, oral hygiene habits, and dietary habits. Full mouth organoleptic odor scores (OLR), volatile sulfur compounds levels, Miyazaki's tongue coating index, and Plaque scores were recorded before intervention (baseline) and after 1-week post treatment. Microbiological samples obtained from the tongue and saliva was investigated for S. moorei levels using real time polymerase chain reaction. Participants were randomly assigned for two test mouth rinses (Melaleuca alternifolia and Chlorhexidine) and placebo groups. RESULTS: All salivary and tongue coating samples were tested positive for S. moorei in the halitosis group. One week post-treatment S. moorei counts in saliva and tongue coating samples of test group showed a significant reduction at P < 0.001. Paired t-test results showed that Melaleuca alternifolia was comparable with chlorhexidine in reduction of OLR, and VSC scores (P < 0.001). Salivary levels of S. moorei in Melaleuca alternifolia group showed a higher reduction (5.67 log10 copies/mL) than chlorhexidine group (5.1log10 copies/mL). CONCLUSION: S. moorei showed a positive correlation with oral halitosis scores. Both Melaleuca alternifolia and chlorhexidine were equally effective in reducing S. moorei levels and halitosis score.

Prevention of the proliferation of oral pathogens due to prolonged mask use based on α-cyclodextrin and hydroxytyrosol mouthwash.

OBJECTIVE: Face masks help contain the aerosol-mediated transmission of infectious viral particles released from individuals via cough and sneezes. However, the prolonged use of face masks has raised concerns regarding oral hygiene. Here, we present a mouthwash formulation based on α-cyclodextrin and hydroxytyrosol that can maintain healthy oral microbiota. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We isolated and cultured Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and a mix of Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp. and Neisseria sp. from oral and throat swabs. The microorganisms were cultured in a standard medium with or without the mouthwash. To evaluate the effect of the mouthwash on the oral microbiota, the DNA from the saliva of 3 volunteers that used the mouthwash was extracted. Then, the DNA was amplified using primer pairs specific for bacterial and fungal DNA. Twelve further volunteers were offered to use the mouthwash and a questionnaire was submitted to them to assess the possible beneficial effects of mouthwash on halitosis and other oral disturbances. RESULTS: The bacteria and fungi cultured in media containing the mouthwash showed a growth reduction ranging from 20 to 80%. The PCR amplification of fungal and bacterial DNA extracted from volunteers that used the mouthwash showed a reduction of both bacteria and fungi. Volunteers that used the mouthwash reported a tendency towards a reduction of halitosis, gingival and mouth inflammation, and dry mouth. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a mouthwash containing α-cyclodextrin and hydroxytyrosol is not aggressive against oral mucosa; it is safe and effective to reduce the bacterial and fungal load due to the continuous use of face masks.

A randomized, blinded, clinical investigation of breath odor reduction efficacy of a stabilized chlorine-dioxide containing flavored mouthwash.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a flavored, non-fluoridated, alcohol-free mouthwash containing 0.1% chlorine dioxide in reducing oral malodor. METHODS: This was a randomized, 8-week, single site, double blind, crossover design with a 2-week washout period between crossover phases. Fifty subjects with clinically diagnosed intrinsic oral malodor were enrolled according to inclusion/exclusion criteria and randomized to one of two groups. Washout period initiated at end of Phase I and crossover design implemented prior to Phase II. Calibration for organoleptic judges performed at baseline for both phases. RESULTS: 48 subjects completed the study. No significant differences in intensity scores at baseline were found for both groups during both phases (P> 0.05). Within group comparisons for placebo revealed no significant differences with organoleptic intensity scores for all visits during both phases (P> 0.05). During Phase I, the mean changes in organoleptic scores for the test group were significantly different from the baseline at each visit: Weeks 1 to 3 (P< 0.05). After crossover, significant differences were found for the last two visits: Weeks 7 and 8 (P< 0.05). No adverse effects to oral tissues were observed or reported. This product is safe to use for up to 3 weeks and resulted in a decrease in oral malodor. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Results suggested that twice-daily use of a 0.1% chlorine dioxide-containing flavored mouthwash, in conjunction with normal oral hygiene care, provided clinically relevant improvements in oral malodor for up to 3 weeks.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Three Types of Disinfectants Approved for Oral Use in Japan in Reducing the Bacterial Count of Tongue Coating: A Randomised-Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: Tongue coating is one of the primary causes of halitosis and some diseases such as aspiration pneumonia. However, to date, an effective method for reducing the bacterial count of tongue coating has not been established. We conducted a randomised-controlled study to compare the efficacy of three types of disinfectants approved for oral use in Japan in reducing the bacterial count of tongue coating. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two participants were randomly assigned to the following four groups according to the solution used: 1. benzethonium chloride; 2. povidone iodine; 3. hydrogen peroxide; 4. tap water (control group). Tongue cleaning with the three test disinfectants and water was performed using a toothbrush, and the bacterial count on the tongue dorsum before and after tongue cleaning was measured using the Rapid Oral Bacteria Quantification System. RESULTS: The bacterial count decreased statistically significantly after tongue brushing using povidone iodine and hydrogen peroxide solutions (both p = 0.012), but not after brushing using 0.2% benzethonium chloride and tap water. CONCLUSION: Tongue brushing with povidone iodine or hydrogen peroxide was the most effective method for reducing the bacterial count of tongue coating.

Effects of Oral Probiotics on Subjective Halitosis, Oral Health, and Psychosocial Health of College Students: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Altogether, 81% of Korean college students experience halitosis and concomitant psychosocial problems such as depression and lowered self-esteem, as well as poor oral-health-related quality of life. Although halitosis causes many social and psychological problems among college students, there have been no reports of improvement interventions. This study aimed to identify the effects of ingesting tablets of the oral probiotic Weissella cibaria CMU (Chonnam Medical University, Gwangju, Korea) on halitosis and examine its effects on psychosocial indicators. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group or the control group. They ingested W. cibaria CMU or the placebo, depending on which group they belonged to, before going to bed daily for eight weeks. The measured indicators were subjective halitosis, subjective oral-health status, depression, self-esteem, and oral-health-related quality of life. Measurements were at baseline and eight weeks later. The participants showed statistically significant differences in subjective halitosis and oral-health-related quality of life. For college students with halitosis, intake of the oral probiotic for eight weeks could be a useful nursing intervention for reducing halitosis and improving oral-health-related quality of life.

The Effect of Mechanical Tongue Cleaning on Oral Malodor and Tongue Coating.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical tongue cleaning is an important oral hygiene procedure; it is known that a significant cause of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), a major component of bad breath, is due to the bacteria coating the tongue. This study was conducted to identify the effect of mechanical tongue cleaning on reducing bad breath and tongue coating. METHODS: Various mechanical tongue-cleaning methods were studied, including removing tongue coating using a toothbrush, removing tongue coating using a tongue scraper, and removing tongue coating using a toothbrush and a tongue scraper together. The results were as follows. RESULTS: First, the organic bad breath measurement value after cleaning the tongue significantly decreased in the group using only the toothbrush, the group using only the tongue scraper, and the group using both the toothbrush and the tongue scraper. However, there was no difference between the groups. Second, after cleaning the tongue, the measured values of the tongue coating in the values of WTCI (Winkel's tongue coating index) and Qray view were significantly reduced in all three groups, and there was no difference between the groups. Third, the gas measurement value in the oral cavity using a machine significantly decreased only the H2S value of the group using the tongue scraper immediately after the mechanical tongue cleaning. CONCLUSIONS: From these results, it can be confirmed that mechanical tongue cleaning is effective at reducing bad breath and tongue coating. However, in this study, there was no difference in the reduction effect according to the tools (groups) used for mechanical tongue cleaning. It can therefore be seen that wiping accurately from the rear of the tongue to the front is more effective at reducing bad breath and tongue coating.

Effectiveness of an oral care tablet containing kiwifruit powder in reducing oral bacteria in tongue coating: A crossover trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an oral care tablet containing kiwifruit powder on oral bacteria in tongue coating compared with tongue brushing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two healthy, young adults were enrolled, and a crossover clinical trial was conducted. The volatile sulfur compound (VSC) concentration, Winkel tongue-coating index (WTCI), and the number of total bacteria in addition to Fusobacterium nucleatum in tongue coating were measured. We instructed subjects to remove tongue coating by tongue brush for Intervention I, to keep the oral care tablet containing kiwifruit powder on the tongue dorsum and to let it dissolve naturally for Intervention II, and three oral care tablets 1 day before the measurement for Intervention III. RESULTS: There were significant differences in terms of the level of H2 S, VSC, and WTCI at Intervention I and all evaluation values at Intervention II. There were significant differences in terms of the level of H2 S, VSC, WTCI, the number of total bacteria, and F. nucleatum at Intervention III. The value of WTCI, the number of bacteria, and F. nucleatum decreased significantly after taking the oral care tablets than after tongue brushing. When compared with Interventions I and III, Intervention III showed the effective results; there were significant differences in the number of total bacteria and F. nucleatum between tongue brushing and taking tablets. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that the oral care tablet containing kiwifruit powder could be effective in reducing total bacteria and F. nucleatum in tongue coating when compared with tongue brushing.

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

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.

Induction and inhibition of oral malodor.

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) such as hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) and methyl mercaptan (CH3 SH) are the main components of oral malodor, and are produced as the end products of the proteolytic processes of oral microorganisms. The main pathway of proteolysis is the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids by gram-negative anaerobic bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria may promote VSC production by gram-negative anaerobes by cleaving sugar chains from glycoproteins and thus providing proteins. A large variety of bacteria within the oral microbiota are thought to be involved in the complex phenomenon of halitosis. Oral microbiota associated with a lack of oral malodor, oral microbiota associated with severe and H2 S-dominant oral malodor, and oral microbiota associated with severe and CH3 SH-dominant oral malodor have been distinguished through molecular approaches using the 16S rRNA gene. Pathological halitosis may primarily be addressed through treatment of causative diseases. In all cases, plaque control is the basis of oral malodor control, and dentifrices, mouthwashes, and functional foods play a supplementary role in addition to brushing. Recently, the use of natural ingredients in products tends to be favored due to the increase in antibiotic-resistant strains and the side effects of some chemical ingredients. In addition, probiotics and vaccines are expected to offer new strategies for improving the oral conditions through mechanisms other than antibacterial agents.

Acceptance of a tongue vacuum cleaner among children and evaluation of tongue cleaning at home

The anaerobic microenvironment of the grooved tongue surface provides optimal conditions for the survival of microorganisms. These microbes may promote caries, periodontitis marginalis, periimplantitis as well as halitosis. A new device, the TS1 tongue vacuum cleaner, is designed to remove bacterial biofilm from the tongue's surface. The aim of the present study was to both examine the acceptance of this tongue vacuum cleaner by children at the School Dental Clinic Basel as compared to a child's manual tooth brush, and tongue cleaning at home for a 1-month period. This study did not investigate the cleaning effect. One hundred and sixty-two children aged 5 to 18 years participated in this study. The acceptance of the tongue vacuum cleaner was significantly higher with 8.9 cm on the visual analogue scale (VAS) (0­10 cm) in comparison to a child's manual tooth brush with 7.8 cm (p < 0.001). After professional tongue cleaning, the children were asked to clean their tongues at home for a 1-month period, and to return a completed questionnaire (n = 66). The children estimated their acceptance of daily tongue cleaning with 8.3 cm on the VAS, their parents with 8.7 cm. Fifty eight children reported willingness to continue cleaning their tongues at home after the 1-month examination time. The data show that the use of the tongue vacuum cleaner, as part of a professional oral prophylaxis, is well accepted by children and may help promote, along with professional instruction, home tongue cleaning on a regular basis.

Effects of Lactobacillus salivarius WB21 combined with green tea catechins on dental caries, periodontitis, and oral malodor.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the combined use of Lactobacillus salivarius WB21 and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) for oral health maintenance. DESIGN: The effects of L. salivarius WB21 on growth of Streptococcus mutans, the insoluble glucan produced by S. mutans, and on growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis were evaluated in vitro. In addition, the susceptibility of five oral pathogenic bacteria and L. salivarius WB21 to EGCg, the inhibiting effect of EGCg on methyl mercaptan, and the effects of L. salivarius WB21 and EGCg in combination on growth of P. gingivalis were examined. RESULTS: Lactobacillus salivarius WB21 showed concentration-dependent inhibition of the growth of S. mutans. Addition of L. salivarius WB21 inhibited production of the insoluble glucan by S. mutans (p < 0.001). A filtrate of L. salivarius WB21 culture solution inhibited growth of P. gingivalis (p < 0.001 vs. control), and this effect was enhanced when it was used in combination with EGCg (p < 0.001 vs. the addition of L. salivarius WB21). In addition, EGCg directly inhibited methyl mercaptan in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.001). Concerning bacterial susceptibility to EGCg, growth of P. gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum was inhibited at 2.5 mg/mL of EGCg, while that of L. salivarius WB21 was inhibited at 25 mg/mL EGCg. CONCLUSIONS: Our results imply that L. salivarius WB21 may be useful for controlling dental caries, periodontitis, and oral malodor. In addition, the effects of L. salivarius WB21 on periodontitis and oral malodor may be synergistically enhanced by use in combination with EGCg.