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Evaluation of tongue coating indices
T Lundgren1, A Mobilia, H Hallström
1Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA. tord.lundgren@ucsf.edu
Oral Diseases
|February 20, 2007
Summary
The modified Winkel tongue coating index 2 (mWTCI 2) demonstrated high reproducibility and validity in assessing tongue coating. This reliable index is suitable for future research on tongue coatings and cleaning efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Oral hygiene research
- Diagnostic tool validation
Background:
- Tongue coating is a common oral condition.
- Accurate assessment of tongue coating is crucial for oral health research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the inter-examiner reproducibility of two modified Winkel tongue coating indices (mWTCI 1 + 2 and mWTCI 2).
- To assess the relationship between these indices and the actual amount of tongue coating (wet weight).
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five dental students with varying degrees of tongue coating were recruited.
- Two examiners independently applied mWTCI 1 + 2 and mWTCI 2.
- Tongue scrapings were collected for wet weight analysis.
Main Results:
- mWTCI 2 exhibited high inter-examiner reproducibility (r = 0.93) compared to mWTCI 1 + 2 (r = 0.48).
- mWTCI 2 showed a stronger correlation with the wet weight of tongue scrapings.
Conclusions:
- The mWTCI 2 is a highly reproducible and valid tool for quantifying tongue coating.
- mWTCI 2 is recommended for future studies on tongue coating, tongue cleaning effects, and coating reformation rates.
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