Key Takeaway
Tongue scraping alone significantly reduced halitosis, and combining it with oral probiotics provided additional benefit in reducing volatile sulfur compounds.
Summary
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of tongue scraping alone and tongue scraping combined with oral probiotics on halitosis. Participants with complaints of bad breath were divided into groups receiving tongue scraping only, probiotics only, tongue scraping plus probiotics, or no treatment (control).
Volatile sulfur compound (VSC) levels were measured using a portable gas chromatograph at baseline and after the intervention period. The tongue scraping group showed significant reductions in VSC levels compared to controls, confirming the standalone benefit of mechanical tongue cleaning.
The combination of tongue scraping with probiotics yielded the greatest reduction in halitosis, suggesting a synergistic effect where mechanical removal of the tongue biofilm combined with probiotic recolonization of beneficial bacteria produces superior outcomes. The study supports tongue scraping as a simple, effective first-line intervention for halitosis, with probiotics offering a complementary approach.