Effect of tongue brushing on formation of dental plaque

The effect of tongue brushing on formation of dental plaque was studied in two groups of dental hygiene students. In one of the groups plaque formation during a 4-day period of no oral hygiene procedures was compared to a 4-day period of tongue brushing as the only hygiene procedure. In the other group tongue brushing as an adjunct to tooth brushing was evaluated on plaque formation during 7-day periods of partially ineffective tooth brushing. Both experiments failed to show any effect of the tongue brushing on plaque formation.