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258:. However, toothbrushes are not considered as effective for this purpose because they have a smaller width and are designed for brushing teeth, which have a solid structure unlike the spongy tissue of the tongue. This can reduce its ability to remove debris and microorganisms. Some toothbrush designs have projections on the back of their heads to act as a tongue cleaner.
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The tongue is normally pink in appearance. It may acquire a white or colored coating due to diet, reduced salivary flow, reduced oral hygiene or tongue anatomy. The thickness of the tongue coating can also vary. Tongue cleaning can reduce this coating to make it cleaner and to help return it to its
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coating and effectively clean the surface of the tongue. There are many different types of tongue cleaners. They can be plastic or metal straps, plastic and/or small brush bristles that form "rakes" or circular devices with handles. Their effectiveness varies depending on the shape, dimensions,
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Western civilizations placed less emphasis on tongue cleaning. Between the 15th and 19th century, tongue cleaning was primarily practiced by those who were affluent. It was recorded in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries that Romans also performed tongue cleaning. In the 20th century, a wide
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Tongue hygiene has been practiced for centuries in Africa, Arabia, Europe, South
America and many eastern and oriental cultures. The various materials used for tongue cleaners include thin flexible wood sections, metals, ivory, mother-of-pearl, whalebone, celluloid, tortoiseshell, and plastic.
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are more likely to have a thicker tongue coating and a microbial flora that produces more volatile sulphur compounds compared to those who have healthy periodontal tissues. Tongue cleaning might help to reduce halitosis, dental caries and periodontal disease.
635:
Faveri, Marcelo; Feres, Magda; Shibli, Jamil Awad; Hayacibara, Roberto F.; Hayacibara, Mitsue M.; de
Figueiredo, Luciene Cristina (2006-09-01). "Microbiota of the dorsum of the tongue after plaque accumulation: an experimental study in humans".
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Pedrazzi, Vinícius; Sato, Sandra; de Mattos, Maria da Gĺoria
Chiarello; Lara, Elza Helena Guimarães; Panzeri, Heitor (2004-07-01). "Tongue-cleaning methods: a comparative clinical trial employing a toothbrush and a tongue scraper".
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Some studies have shown that it is the bacteria on the tongue which often produce malodorous compounds and fatty acids that may account for 80% to 85% of all cases of bad breath. The remaining 15% to 20% of cases originate in the
238:. Tongue cleaning has existed in Ayurvedic practice since ancient times, using tongue scrapers made from copper, silver, gold, tin or brass. In modern time, plastic scrapers are used in India and the Far East.
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Bordas, Alice; McNab, Rod; Staples, Angela M.; Bowman, Jim; Kanapka, Joe; Bosma, Marylynn P. (2008-04-01). "Impact of different tongue cleaning methods on the bacterial load of the tongue dorsum".
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Rupesh, S; Winnier, Jj; Nayak, Ua; Rao, Ap; Reddy, V; Peter, J (2012-05-01). "The comparative evaluation of the effects of tongue cleaning on salivary levels of mutans streptococci in children".
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Van der Sleen, Mi; Slot, De; Van
Trijffel, E; Winkel, Eg; Van der Weijden, Ga (2010-11-01). "Effectiveness of mechanical tongue cleaning on breath odour and tongue coating: a systematic review".
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and/or vomiting. Aggressive use of a tongue cleaner may also cause irritation or ulcers. Some people have inappropriately used the tongue cleaner to scrape or brush the
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following the use of a tongue cleaner. Individuals with previous infective endocarditis and high-risk cardiac valves may be at a higher risk from bacteremia.
234:, the practice of traditional Indian medicine, recommends tongue cleaning as part of one's daily hygiene regimen, to remove the toxic debris, known as
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configuration, quality of the contact surfaces and materials used. Tongue cleaners are mostly inexpensive, small, easy to clean and durable.
154:(cavities or tooth decay) or plaque accumulated on the teeth. In addition, degradation of oral debris by microorganisms produce
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While there is tentative benefit from the use of a tongue cleaner it is insufficient to draw clear conclusions with respect to
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Van Den Broek, Amwt; Feenstra, L; De Baat, C (2008-01-01). "A review of the current literature on management of halitosis".
90:. While there is tentative benefit from the use of a tongue cleaner it is insufficient to draw clear conclusions regarding
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Ergonomic tongue cleaners are shaped in accordance with the anatomy of the tongue, and are optimized to lift and trap the
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Yaegaki, K.; Coil, J. M. (2000-05-01). "Examination, classification, and treatment of halitosis; clinical perspectives".
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Redmond, Andrew M.; Meiklejohn, Cathryn; Kidd, Timothy J.; Horvath, Robert; Coulter, Christopher (2007-09-01).
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681:"Can brushing your tongue damage your taste buds – and how safe are tongue scrapers? We ask a dentist"
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The top surface of the tongue can be cleaned using a tongue cleaner, a tongue brush/scraper or a
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A traditional ayurvedic tongue cleaner made of copper popularly used in Indian subcontinent.
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Tongue cleaning can cause discomfort. Improper use of a tongue cleaner may induce the
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are anatomical features of the tongue that promote tongue coating by retaining
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Danser, M. M; Gómez, S. Mantilla; Van der
Weijden, G. A (2003-08-01).
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158:(volatile sulphur compounds) on the posterior (rear) of the tongue.
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variety of tongue cleaning devices came on the commercial market.
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There has been one reported case where a woman possibly had
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Christensen, G. J. (1998-11-01). "Why clean your tongue?".
150:, from decaying food stuck between the teeth, gum disease,
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Beekmans, Dg; Slot, De; Van der
Weijden, Ga (2016-02-01).
493:"Tongue coating and tongue brushing: a literature review"
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and oral debris consisting of food, saliva and dead
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744:"Endocarditis after use of tongue scraper"
387:Journal of the American Dental Association
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78:device designed to clean the
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638:Journal of Periodontology
591:Journal of Periodontology
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204:(tongue tonsils).
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690:2023-09-11
292:References
256:toothbrush
213:bacteremia
198:gag reflex
162:Aesthetics
136:bad breath
92:bad breath
885:1601-5037
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768:1080-6040
718:1488-2159
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455:0003-9969
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119:mouthwash
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270:See also
232:Ayurveda
115:flossing
74:) is an
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286:Xylitol
219:History
148:tonsils
144:stomach
86:of the
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