Knowledge of tongue brushing among school children and their parents, and its effects on children’s optimal sugar and salt preferences, dental caries, periodontal diseases, and body mass index

Tongue brushing is a widely practiced habit, primarily adopted through parental influence rather than clinical advice. However, no significant associations were observed with sugar/salt taste thresholds, BMI, dental caries, or periodontal health. While tongue brushing may reduce halitosis and contribute to oral comfort. It should be promoted as an adjunctive, not primary, oral hygiene practice. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are warranted.