Effect of tongue hygiene instruction on periodontal patients: an experimental study

BACKGROUND: Although tongue cleaning provides various benefits such as reducing dental plaque, improving halitosis, managing gingival inflammation, and enhancing subjective taste, many people do not include tongue hygiene in their oral health habits. This study aimed to assess the frequency of tongue cleaning and the effect of tongue hygiene instruction on oral hygiene habits among periodontal patients. METHODS: A total of 222 patients, diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis, participated in this study. Participants completed a questionnaire before and one month after receiving tongue hygiene instruction. The questionnaire included demographic information and a section for tongue cleaning habits. The instruction was delivered using educational models and a leaflet prepared by the authors. Data were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, independent samples t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and McNemar test, with significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Initially, 32.9% of participants practiced tongue cleaning, with women (68.5%, P < 0.001), non-smokers (91.8%, P < 0.001), and patients with gingivitis (69.9%, P < 0.001) showing significantly higher rates. After instruction, the prevalence of tongue cleaning increased to 76.2%, with daily cleaning rising from 11.2% to 45.4% (P < 0.001). The instruction was particularly effective for participants with periodontitis (increased from 35.4% to 51.4%) and those without a college education (52.1% to 70.6%), with both being statistically significant (P < 0.001). Additionally, 42.6% of participants reported improved taste perception, particularly among those over 60 years of age (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Tongue hygiene instruction significantly improved tongue cleaning habits and oral hygiene among periodontal patients, emphasizing the importance of targeted educational interventions. Tongue hygiene instructions should be a part of routine dental care to raise patient awareness, which in turn promotes better adherence to the practice.