How to Clean Your Tongue to Avoid Bad Breath

November 20, 2021, Pearl Shine Dental Clinic

When it comes to following an oral hygiene routine, most people often forget their tongue. Yes, brushing your teeth and flossing regularly is a great way to upkeep your oral health. But not cleaning your tongue can cause bad breath. Leaning your tongue thoroughly is a part of your regular dental routine. It can leave you feeling even more refreshed. Read along to find out how cleaning your tongue can improve your breath and learn simple tongue cleaning techniques.

Why Should You Clean Your Tongue?

Why is cleaning your tongue important? Well, our mouth is home to bacteria. While brushing and flossing can clean your teeth and improve your oral health, it doesn’t eliminate the bacteria present on your tongue. These bacteria produce VSCs or volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath and certain health issues.

How to Clean Your Tongue?

The simplest way to clean your tongue is to use a tongue scraper or a soft-bristled toothbrush. A brush or tongue scraper should be soft, with a flexible material that gently peels away debris and bacteria from your tongue.

How to Use a Tongue Scraper for Tongue Cleaning?

You can use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue either before or after you clean your teeth. As you know, your tongue is sensitive. So a tongue cleaner should be gentle and soft. Also, don’t press the cleaner too forcefully against your tongue.
For better tongue cleaning techniques, follow these easy and quick steps:

• Place the scraper at the back end of your tongue and gently pull it forward to the front.
• Move the tongue scraper several times at different angles.
• Rinse your mouth with water to remove the excess debris from your tongue.
• Move the scrapper and rinse the tongue each time you use it to keep your tongue clean.

How to Brush Your Tongue?

• Apply a small amount of toothpaste to your toothbrush.
• Start cleaning your tongue from the back all the way forward.
• Use gentle, back-and-forth motions similar to brushing your teeth.

Make sure to use a mouth rinse after cleaning your tongue. Also, rinse the toothbrush or scraper with water once you finish. Check if all the discolored debris disappears to know when you’re done cleaning your tongue. After being cleaned, your tongue should look clean, pink, and refreshed.

How Often Should I Clean My Tongue?

Bacteria rapidly grow. So the best way to get rid of harmful bacteria that cause bad breath is to clean your tongue twice a day after you brush your teeth. You should also remove the debris from your teeth and tongue before you sleep. This can reduce bad morning breath and remove bacteria when you wake up.

So make a habit of following a proper oral hygiene routine, including cleaning your tongue, which will keep your mouth healthy and breath fresh. If you are concerned about persistent bad breath or any other dental issue, feel free to contact your dentist in Houston, TX. We are more than happy to help you achieve a great oral health experience for a lifetime.

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