The effect of microcirculatory disorder of tongue surface on accumulation of tongue coating

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K10433
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 57080:Social dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Fukuoka Dental College
• Principal Investigator: Taniguchi Nao 福岡歯科大学, 口腔歯学部, 教授 (60372885)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 埴岡 隆 福岡歯科大学, 口腔歯学部, 教授 (00144501) ; 中野 善夫 日本大学, 歯学部, 教授 (80253459)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 舌苔 / 唾液 / 喫煙 / 微小循環機能 / 細菌叢

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Tongue coating is the main source of halitosis, and is also an important source of infection for aspiration pneumonia in aged people. It has been suggested that decreased self-cleaning action due to xerostomia, periodontal disease, stress, smoking, etc., is related to the deposition of tongue coating. In this study, we also focused on the microcirculatory function and bacterial flora of the tongue, and aimed to elucidate the whole picture of the tongue coating mechanism. We investigated saliva volume, tongue surface moisture, saliva components, bite force, lip closing force, periodontal disease, smoking habits, etc., and analyzed the relationship with tongue coating and halitosis. We also clarified the effects of smoking on the tongue coating flora in volunteers. Furthermore, to investigate the relationship between tongue microcirculation and tongue coating deposition, we examined the effects of smoking on the microcirculation function of the tongue surface layer.

Free Research Field

予防歯科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

舌は口腔の中央に位置し、舌表面の堆積物である舌苔に含まれる微生物は、口臭や誤嚥性肺炎、また最近では腸内細菌叢の変化にも影響すると考えられている。舌苔の質や量をコントロールするためには、舌苔の堆積メカニズムを理解する必要がある。しかしながらいくつかの環境要因が指摘されているものの、舌自体の要因を含む舌苔堆積の全体像が見えていなかった。本研究では、これまであまり注目されなかった舌自体の要因にも着目し、舌苔の堆積メカニズムの解明に取り組んだ。本絵研究で得られた成果は、エビデンスに基づいた舌苔のコントロールの一助となるだろう。