Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss which may impair chewing ability and aesthetics. In addition, periodontitis can give rise to halitosis. Standard initial periodontal treatment consists of supra and subgingival biofilm reduction and removal of calculus. Recently, the European Federation of Periodontology introduced clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of periodontitis. The use of a tongue scraper is not mentioned as element in the standard initial treatment of periodontitis. The investigators have planned a clinical study in order to provide information about the effect of standard initial periodontal therapy and the additional effect of the use of a tongue scraper as part of the oral hygiene instructions on halitosis parameters in periodontitis patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
39
tongue cleaning with gentle strokes twice a day covering the whole surface of the tongue
UZLeuven, Campus SintRafael
Leuven, Belgium
RECRUITINGImproving of halitosis parameters (organoleptic scores)
Reduction in organoleptic scores measured in a six point intensity scale proposed by Rosenberg and colleagues. The different scores of this scale are defined as : * 0: no odour (below the smell threshold) * 1: barely noticeable odour * 2: slight odour * 3: moderate odour * 4: strong odour * 5: extremely strong odour, close to saturation
Time frame: 18 weeks
Improving of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs)
Reduction in concentration of VSCs in breath samples measured in ppb by 2 devices (Halimeter, OralChroma CHM-2)
Time frame: 18 weeks
improving of periodontal parameters
Reduction in pocket depth (PD) measured by a proving tool in mm (0 to 10)
Time frame: 18 weeks
improving of oral hygiene parameters.
reduction in full mouth bleeding score (FMBS) and full mouth plaque score (FMPS) Scores are given as % of measured sites (0 to 100). The higher the number, the worse the oral hygiene.
Time frame: 18 weeks
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