By Nancy Volkers
InteliHealth News Service

Tongue cleaning has been suggested as a way to reduce bad breath, but a German study has found that its effects last for less than half an hour.

Researchers from Humboldt University, Berlin, tested three cleaning devices: one with a brush and a scraper (a tongue cleaner), one with only a scraper (a tongue scraper), and one with only a brush (a toothbrush). Twenty-eight people participated in the study, which involved a once-weekly tongue cleaning by a dental professional. The professional did not do any other cleaning, such as brushing or flossing.

Before and after the cleaning, the researchers tested levels of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which are involved in producing bad breath (halitosis). Immediately after cleaning with the tongue cleaner, VSC levels were reduced by 42 percent compared with pre-cleaning levels. The tongue scraper reduced VSCs by 40 percent and the toothbrush reduced them by 33 percent.

However, by 30 minutes after cleaning, VSC levels were at or above the pre-cleaning levels, no matter which device had been used.

Bad breath has many causes, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods, periodontal (gum) disease, dry mouth and tobacco use.

The researchers suggested that bad breath might be reduced for a longer time if toothpaste, powder or liquid was used with the tongue cleaner, or if tongue cleaning was done more regularly. However, they said little research has been done in these areas.

The study was published in the September issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.