How to Clean Tongue Correctly

The tongue is home to more bacteria than any other part of the mouth. However, many people do not take the time to clean their tongue. When you do not clean your tongue properly, you will also experience negative side effects. You should protect yourself from bad breath, tooth decay and an unsightly tongue. Make sure to clean your tongue properly.

Table of Contents

Learn about Tongue

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Check your tongue. Observe its different parts. Tongues don’t have smooth surfaces, and all those rough spots and grooves are hiding places for bacteria. Half of the bacteria in your mouth live on your tongue. ^{[1] X Source of Research} These bacteria can form a layer of plaque on the tongue and contribute to health problems. Your tongue should be pink, if the tongue is not colored then you should note and treat. See a dental professional if you have any of the following: ^{[2] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to source}

Notice the obvious change in the appearance of the tongue.
The plaque on the tongue lasts for more than two weeks.
If you have persistent tongue pain.
White areas or flakes of dead skin on the surface of the tongue.

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Knowing how to clean your tongue will be very helpful for you. When you use a tongue cleaner, you’re not just preventing bad breath. You also clean the plaque on the tongue, which helps prevent hairy tongue. ^{[3] X Research Source} You also get rid of bacteria that contribute to tooth decay. Poor oral hygiene, including tongue hygiene, has been linked to many health problems.

Controls unwanted bacteria that contribute to tooth decay.
Prevents bad breath.
Improve taste.
You will have a better smile.

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See a specialist or dentist regularly. They can answer your questions fully. Don’t be passive during the exam. Ask questions when you get the chance. Nothing can replace the expertise of those in the industry. Your dental professional can give you advice on specific questions about your health.

Select Tools

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Select the type of cleaning tool. There are many types of tongue cleaners. Tongue scrapers are the most common. Tongue brushes, although relatively new, are widely used. “Tongue cleaners” are commonly used tools that have many soft ridges to push through the tongue.

Research has shown that both tongue scrapers and tongue brushes are equally effective in reducing plaque. ^{[4] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}
Several types of combined tongue scraping brushes are also available, allowing you to brush while scraping your tongue.
A toothbrush with a tongue scraper is just as effective as a separate tongue cleaner. ^{[5] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

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Material identification. There are many different types of materials used to make tongue cleaners. Metal, plastic, and silicon are common materials. You may find one material preferred over another. You can also try each material one by one.

Stainless steel and copper are two commonly used metals. Tongue scrapers made from these metals are also very safe to put in hot water to disinfect.
Plastic blade scrapers are usually cheaper, but are not as durable, and will have to be changed often.
Silicone applicator for more comfortable tongue scraping.

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Compare brands. Since there are so many companies making similar products, you need to consider their slight differences. Compare prices, looks and user reviews online, or even find coupons before you decide to buy. Ask store staff which brands are most popular.

Tongue Cleaning

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Loll. This step gives you access to the entire tongue. You need to make sure you clean your tongue as wide as possible. When you stick out your tongue all the way, you can avoid vomiting.

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Shave or brush your tongue from back to front. ^{[6] X Research Source} Repeat the action. Many people think that this is the first thing you should do every morning before eating or drinking. You should also do it at least twice a day with a regular brush. ^{[7] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Cleaning tools will be clogged with plaque. You need to rinse, and continue until the entire tongue is cleaned.
Do it gently. Do not tear the skin.
Brush only from back to front.
Brush slowly.

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Washing mouth. Use mouthwash and rinse well to wash away any remaining plaque, and at the same time help freshen breath. ^{[8] X Research Source} Try to push back and forth with the mouthwash to ensure that the tongue is thoroughly rinsed.

Alcohol-based mouthwash can dry out the mouth.
Try to use a mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide for emergencies.

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Maintain the habit. Now that you have a tongue scraper and know how to use it, you need to pay attention to cleaning your tongue every day. This is very important. You should make regular tongue cleaning a daily habit.

Advice

The spoon is also a great tongue scraper and is readily available.
You can use a toothbrush if you want. But be careful to only knock the plaque out of your mouth. You don’t want to rub the dirt on your tongue again. Just follow the same steps. Make sure you have a soft brush so you don’t hurt your tongue. However, toothbrushes do not clean the tongue effectively because the hard bristles are made to clean the hard enamel of the teeth, not the soft muscles of the tongue.
Be careful with the mouthwash you use. While most mouthwashes are effective, they can do more harm than good because they can burn or irritate the tongue/taste buds and cause the tongue to become red hot. You should only buy a mild mouthwash.
Do not use alcohol-based mouthwash as it can irritate the inside of the tongue for some people.
If you normally breathe through your mouth, breathe through your nose when you clean your tongue to avoid vomiting.

Warning

Do not scrape your tongue too hard and cause damage to your tongue. It takes a few days for the tongue to heal.

Steps

Learn about Tongue

Select Tools

Tongue Cleaning

Advice

Warning

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