Breath Freshening Effects of Mechanical Removal of Tongue Biofilm
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The study of the Breath Freshening Effects of Mechanical Removal of Tongue Biofilm
IRAS ID
156088
Contact name
Saliha Saad
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the West of England
Research summary
Oral malodour may arise from organisms on the surface of the tongue. In particular, it is thought that certain Gram negative anaerobes are responsible for this condition. The tongue presents a rough surface with deep pits and crypts where bacteria grow and form a layer of bacterial cells and other organic compounds. The bacteria possess enzymes that allow biotransformations of sulphur substrates(cysteine, methionine and glutathione) into volatile sulphur compounds (VSC). It is believed that the thickness of the biofilm determines the level of oral malodour. The thicker the biofilm the more oral malodour. Therefore, the mechanical removal of the tongue biofilm using Philips technology appears to offer a long lasting effect compared to all products available such as mouthwashes, dissolving films, toothbrushes, tongue cleaners which only have a short-lasting effect when used on their own. This novel approach to control oral malodour combines the use of a commercially available tongue spray (BreathRX) and a Philips Sonicare powered toothbrush. The brush head has been modified for the use in this study and comprises soft silicone bristles.
Also, by measuring breath parameters (VSC and VOC by halimeter, OralChroma and SIFTMS) and sampling of tongue biofilm for numbers of viable microbial species, prior to and following treatment, improvement of breath odour may be seen. The results of this study could substantially influence the development of approaches that could be used to reduce malodour and subsequently relieve the stress and discomfort that this condition causes in many humans.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EE/0206
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jun 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion