Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2025

Taste Exam: A Brief and Validated Test
Published on: August 17, 2018
Efficacy of mechanical tongue cleaning on taste perception: A systematic review
Fulvia Costantinides1, Marta Gionechetti1, Monica Baiana1
1Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy.
Abstract:
The aim of the present literary review was to compile the most recent evidence regarding the impact of mechanical tongue cleaning on gustatory perception in patients with a coated tongue. The present study adhered to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The bibliographic survey of PubMed®, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted using the following combination of keywords and Boolean operators: (tongue brushing AND taste) OR (tongue cleaning AND taste) OR (tongue coating AND taste). The quality of studies and the risk of bias were assessed based on the checklist provided by Downs and Black.Four articles were selected for the review based on the established inclusion criteria. The analysis of the data showed a decrease in lingual coating post-brushing in all studies. All articles demonstrated an improvement in gustatory sensitivity following mechanical removal of the lingual patina, though not every study observed a statistically significant increase for the same flavor. The outcomes of this review suggest that mechanical cleaning of the dorsum of the tongue can increase gustatory perception, therefore, it could be considered a promising and cost-effective addition to daily oral hygiene practices.
Related Concept Videos
Taste Buds and Receptors
Gustation
The Tongue and Taste Buds
The Physiology of Taste
Salivary Glands and Saliva
Conditioned Taste Aversion
A notable characteristic of conditioned taste aversion is that it often requires only a single...

