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.

Is quality of life affected by temporomandibular disorders? / A disfunção temporomandibular afeta a qualidade de vida?

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the impact of temporomandibular disorders in quality of life. Methods A total of 102 volunteer patients (68 female) aged 19 to 86 years, who sought medical care in health clinics of the university and were evaluated in the period from September to December 2013. The subjects were examined according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, using a mechanical algometer (Palpeter®) with standardized pressure of 0.5 and 1.0kg, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, to assess quality of life. The data were tabulated for statistical analysis and the variables were correlated with the clinical findings of the temporomandibular disorders and quality of life. Results Fifty percent of patients were positive for temporomandibular disorders and 39.2% classified as myofascial pain group. The temporomandibular disorder group was significantly associated with uncomfortable bite (p=0.0000), temporomandibular joint clicking (p=0.0001) and tooth clenching (p=0.0001). The Mann Whitney test used to analyze the SF-36 revealed that the domains of pain (mean score of 47.80%; p<0.0001) and mental health (62.67%; p<0.05) were strongly associated with temporomandibular disorders. Conclusion The quality of life of individuals with temporomandibular disorders was negatively affected by the presence of pain and mental health disorders.

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar o impacto das disfunções temporomandibulares na qualidade de vida. Métodos Foram incluídos 102 pacientes voluntários (68 mulheres) com idades entre 19 e 86 anos, que buscaram atendimento médico nas clínicas de saúde da universidade e foram avaliados no período de setembro a dezembro de 2013. Os pacientes foram examinados segundo os Critérios Diagnósticos para Pesquisa em Disfunções Temporomandibulares, usando um algômetro mecânico (Palpeter®) com pressão padronizada de 0,5 e 1,0kg e o questionário Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), para avaliação da qualidade de vida. Os dados foram tabulados para análise estatística, e as variáveis foram correlacionadas com os achados clínicos das disfunções temporomandibulares e da qualidade de vida. Resultados Metade dos pacientes foi positiva para disfunções temporomandibulares, sendo 39,2% deles classificados como grupo de dor miofascial. O grupo de disfunções temporomandibulares foi significativamente associado ao desconforto ao morder (p=0,0000), à crepitação da articulação temporomandibular (p=0,0001) e ao apertar dos dentes (p=0,0001). O teste de Mann-Whitney usado para analisar o SF-36 revelou que os domínios da dor (pontuação média de 47,80%; p<0,0001) e saúde mental (62,67%; p<0,05) estavam fortemente associados às disfunções temporomandibulares. Conclusão A qualidade de vida de indivíduos com disfunções temporomandibulares foi afetada negativamente pela presença da dor e de transtornos de saúde mental.