The effect of a tooth/tongue gel and mouthwash regimen on morning oral malodour

Aim To compare the effects of a regimen consisting of a tooth/tongue gel, tongue cleaner and mouthwash with the effects of using standard fluoride dentifrice on the organoleptic oral malodour score (ORG) and volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs). Materials and methods A total, 66 non‐dental students participated in a 3‐week parallel, single‐blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. The test group used a tongue cleaner, a tooth/tongue gel and mouthwash containing amine fluoride/stannous fluoride and zinc lactate as oral malodour counteractive. The control group used a standard fluoride dentifrice. Measurements were taken in the morning at baseline, at days 1, 7 and 21. The primary outcome was the ORG score. The secondary outcome, the VSC measurement, was assessed using OralChroma™ (H2S, CH3SH, (CH3)2S) and Halimeter®. Tongue coating thickness and tongue discoloration were scored. At baseline and day 21, the participants’ self‐perceptions were assessed. Results At day 1 for the ORG, H2S, CH3SH and Halimeter® readings, a significant decrease was observed in the test group. At day 21, the decrease in H2S and the Halimeter® outcomes were maintained for the test group, and a significant increase in tongue surface discoloration was observed. The test group evaluated their “morning breath upon awakening” as significantly better (P=.001) after 21 days. Conclusion A significant overnight effect on morning oral malodour was observed for most of the parameters in favour of the test group. At day 21, the effect of prolonged use was significant for H2S and the Halimeter® readings, although not for the primary ORG outcome parameter.