舌清掃の口腔衛生的意義と方法

Tongue coating consists of desquamated epithelium of the tongue, saliva, blood components such as leukocytes, and various oral bacteria; it is strongly related to the occurrence of oral malodor. Additionally, the tongue coating contains several oral bacteria (such as Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, and Prevotella) that not only cause oral malodor but are also associated with the risk of aspiration pneumonia in older adults. In this paper, I have explained the significance and method of tongue cleaning in oral hygiene maintenance.