How to Clean Your Tongue
We all know we should brush our teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day, but do you know you should be cleaning your tongue, as well? Unlike your teeth, your tongue has peaks and troughs that host bacteria and allow them to settle and thrive. The bacteria then transfers itself to your teeth and causes damage. Unfortunately, the bacteria also cause bad breath. Individuals who don’t have other dental issues such as gingivitis or tooth decay are also at risk of having bad breath when bacteria is allowed to settle on your tongue.
How to Brush Your Tongue
After thoroughly brushing your teeth, turn your attention to cleaning your tongue. Tongue brushing removes the bacteria at both the front and back of your tongue. The front is relatively self-cleaning. However, the back of the tongue is vital and often left unbrushed. Although using a toothbrush may be less effective than using a tongue scraper, you may find it easier to use — especially if already brush your teeth twice a day.
Here’s how to clean your tongue with a toothbrush:
Choose a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Stick out your tongue as far as it will reach.
Position your toothbrush at the back of your tongue.
Brush lightly forward and backward along your tongue.
Brush from side to side.
Spit out any saliva that appears during the brushing and rinse your toothbrush with warm running water.
Tongue scrapers are available for most people, but if you don’t own one, the bristles of your toothbrush will be fine.
Cleaning Your Mouth With a Tongue Scraper
Studies have found that tongue scrapers are more effective than toothbrushes. They are more effective in reducing sulfur compounds, which are known to cause bad breath.
Here are a few simple steps for cleaning your tongue using a tongue scraper:
Choose a tongue scraper.
Stick your tongue as far as you can.
Place your tongue scraper toward the back of your tongue.
Press the scraper on your tongue. Next, move it toward the front of your tongue while applying pressure.
Run the tongue scraper under warm running water to get rid of debris and bacteria. Spit out any excess saliva that may have accumulated while scraping.
Repeat steps 2 to 5 a few times. Remember to adjust your tongue scraper placement and pressure to prevent a gag reflex.
Clean the tongue scraper with hot running water and store it for the next use. If you trigger your gag reflex during the process, you may want to scrape your tongue before mealtime to avoid vomiting.
How Often You Should Clean Your Tongue
To prevent bad breath and keep your mouth clean, make tongue brushing a regular part of your usual oral care routine and do it at least twice a day. Clean your tongue as often as you brush your teeth. Once in the morning and once before bed works best for most people. If your mouth is dry and has a foul taste in the middle of the day, try brushing your tongue again.
Benefits of Cleaning Your Tongue
Studies point to the several benefits of cleaning your tongue. Here are just a few:
Reduces bacteria on the tongue
Reduces sulfur compounds known to cause bad breath
Contributes to a clean- and fresh-feeling mouth
Reduces plaque levels
Takeaway
Tongue cleaning is an excellent addition to your daily oral care routine. Whether you use a toothbrush or tongue scraper, this simple daily practice will help you reduce bad breath and the risk of cavities. If you notice any unusual changes to your tongue, don’t hesitate to call your doctor or dentist.
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Andrew Kim, DDS is an Escondido dentist providing advanced dental treatment to the Escondido communities and the Northern San Diego area. We make your comfort and oral health our top priority. Book your appointment today!