What do you generally associate oral hygiene with? Mostly, with brushing and flossing your teeth, right? However, tongue cleaning is an often overlooked aspect of oral care, which deserves equal attention. Regular cleaning of your tongue not only improves your oral health but also contributes to better breath and taste.
This guide tells you how to clean your tongue, how to avoid the gag reflex that might accompany this practice, and what the importance of cleaning your tongue is.
Let’s begin your journey to a healthier smile by understanding the benefits of a clean tongue!
Why Should You Clean Your Tongue – The Notable Benefits
Here are several convincing reasons to incorporate tongue cleaning into your everyday oral care regimen.
Elimination of Bacteria
Your tongue is a breeding ground for germs, as most of the bacteria responsible for bad breath live there. Failure to clean your tongue can result in the production of a white coating that harbors these hazardous germs, causing a variety of dental difficulties.
Therefore, cleaning and brushing your tongue is more than just a cosmetic concern. It is essential for maintaining your oral health.
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Enhancement of Taste
Did you know that a clean tongue can improve your capacity to taste food? Residue and bacteria can dull your taste buds, making your favorite foods less appealing. Cleaning your tongue removes these impediments. It allows your taste buds to work optimally and ensures you savor every bite.
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Reduction in Bad Breath
The issue of bad breath is more common than you can think. It is estimated that 1 out of every 4 people globally suffers from bad breath. An unclean tongue is one of the most common culprits (Remember, it is the breeding ground of the bacteria causing bad breath).
Regular tongue cleansing can help to prevent unpleasant odors, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
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Improvement in Digestion
Surprisingly, a clean tongue helps improve digestion. When germs and food particles stay on the tongue, they can impede digestion and cause discomfort. When you brush your tongue regularly, you ensure that it remains clean. A clean tongue can significantly help improve digestive health.
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Boosting of Immunity
Your mouth is the gateway to your body. Thus, it is also one of the most common entry points for bacteria. However, good oral hygiene can help prevent bacteria from entering your system. A clean tongue can reduce the overall bacterial load, promoting a stronger immune system.
How to Clean Your Tongue
There are various efficient ways to clean your tongue. Each strategy has advantages and disadvantages. The best way to clean your tongue would be the one that suits your lifestyle and preferences. Check them out here!
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By Tongue Scraper
Tongue scrapers are specially designed plastic or metal implements that are softly dragged across the surface of the tongue. Dentists often suggest that tongue scrapers are more effective than toothbrushes at removing bacteria and debris, making them a popular choice among many people.
How to Use:
- Stick out your tongue.
- Place the scraper on your tongue.
- Gently scrape forward. Repeat a few times.
- Rinse the scraper after each use.
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By Toothbrush
If a tongue scraper is not your thing, you can simply brush your tongue with an ordinary toothbrush. Most toothbrushes have gentle bristles that won’t irritate the tongue’s surface.
How to Use:
- Apply a small amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush.
- Stick your tongue out and brush lightly from back to front.
- Rinse your mouth completely after brushing.
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By Using Mouthwash
It is always an option to wash your tongue with mouthwash. While not as efficient as the previous treatments, a decent mouthwash can help you keep your tongue clean. To further minimize microorganisms, look for mouthwashes with antibacterial characteristics.
How to Use:
- To use, swish mouthwash for approximately 30 seconds.
- During this process, focus on your tongue.
- Spit out the mouthwash and avoid rinsing with water afterward.
How to Prevent the Gag Reflex While Cleaning Your Tongue
Cleaning your tongue might cause the gag reflex sometimes, but there are ways to reduce the discomfort.
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Hum a Song
Humming can aid in diverting your attention and inhibit the gag response. To make the task easier, focus on a pleasant melody or your favorite song while cleaning your tongue.
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Keep Breathing
Concentrating on nasal breathing can help lessen the impulse to gag. Deep breathing through your nose while washing your tongue enables you to relax your throat.
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Clench Your Hands
Engaging your body is also beneficial. Clenching your hands or fists provides a physical diversion from the sensation of gagging. This way, you can concentrate on something other than your tongue.
Maintaining a clean tongue is an important aspect of your dental hygiene practice that should not be overlooked. It can provide various benefits, including improved breath, taste, and digestion.
Feeling enlightened yet? Remember that there is always more to learn about your oral health, and the path to a healthier mouth is an ongoing one. For more information about tongue cleaning and other dental care subjects, check out our other helpful articles or contact our trained team.
FAQs
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What time of day is optimal for cleaning your tongue?
The optimum time to clean your tongue is in the morning, immediately after cleaning your teeth. This helps to eliminate bacteria that collect overnight and can keep your mouth feeling fresh all day.
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Can tongue cleansing increase my perception of taste?
Yes, washing your tongue can improve your taste buds by removing food particles and bacteria that might dull them.
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Is it more effective to use a tongue scraper than a toothbrush?
Yes. According to most experts, tongue scrapers are more successful than toothbrushes at removing bacteria and debris from the tongue’s surface.
Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.