Tongue Coating and Its Relationship With Periodontitis

Tongue coating is a natural biofilm consisting of microbes, saliva, and desquamated epithelial cells that accumulate on the tongues filiform papillae. Its thickness increases with age, diminished salivary flow, soft diets, smoking, coffee intake, and specific medications. It hosts bacteria such as Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, and Odontomycesviscosus, which generate volatile sulfur compounds linked to halitosis and periodontal disease. Regular tongue scraping decreases bacterial load, volatile sulfur levels, and plaque recolonization, supporting better oral hygiene and overall oral health.