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. 2013 Nov;17(6):757-61.
doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.124497.

How to deal with morning bad breath: A randomized, crossover clinical trial

Jeronimo M Oliveira-Neto  1 , Sandra Sato  1 , Vinícius Pedrazzi  1
Affiliations

How to deal with morning bad breath: A randomized, crossover clinical trial

Jeronimo M Oliveira-Neto et al. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2013 Nov.

Abstract

Context: The absence of a protocol for the treatment of halitosis has led us to compare mouthrinses with mechanical oral hygiene procedures for treating morning breath by employing a hand-held sulfide monitor.

Aims: To compare the efficacy of five modalities of treatment for controlling morning halitosis in subjects with no dental or periodontal disease.

Settings and design: This is a five-period, randomized, crossover clinical trial.

Materials and methods: Twenty volunteers were randomly assigned to the trial. Testing involved the use of a conventional tongue scraper, a tongue scraper joined to the back of a toothbrush's head, two mouthrinses (0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride and 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate) and a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for practicing oral hygiene.

Statistical analysis used: Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 17 for Windows and NCSS 2007 software (P < 0.05). The products and the periods were compared with each other using the Friedman's test. When significant differences (P < 0.05) were determined, the products and periods were compared in pairs by using the Wilcoxon's test and by adjusting the original significance level (0.05) for multiple comparisons by using the Bonferroni's method.

Results: The toothbrush's tongue scraper was able to significantly reduce bad breath for up to 2 h. Chlorhexidine reduced bad breath only at the end of the second hour, an effect that lasted for 3 h.

Conclusions: Mechanical tongue cleaning was able to immediately reduce bad breath for a short period, whereas chlorhexidine and mechanical oral hygiene reduced bad breath for longer periods, achieving the best results against morning breath.

Keywords: Halitosis; mouthwashes; sulfide monitor; tongue scraper.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
In each day of interventions, all the products were used by different voluntaries with the intention that at the last day of intervention all the products were used, in an order of five different sequences for use of the products
Figure 2
Figure 2
Hand-held sulfide monitor with a disposable straw and the oral hygiene care products used
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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