When we think of oral hygiene, dental health and gum care usually come to mind first. However, tongue cleaning is just as important and should not be neglected. If the tongue is not properly cleaned, it creates a suitable environment for bacterial buildup in the mouth. That’s why you should clean your tongue after brushing your teeth.
So, how do you clean your tongue?
Why Is Tongue Cleaning Important?
Tongue cleaning is often overlooked, but it’s just as crucial as brushing your teeth. To achieve complete oral care, tongue hygiene must also be prioritised. This helps prevent many potential problems in the future.
Remember, digestion begins in the mouth. There are bacteria in the mouth that assist with digestion and are carried by saliva. While these bacteria help with digestion, their overgrowth should be prevented. Maintaining bacterial balance requires proper oral hygiene.
Even if you brush your teeth, if you don’t clean your tongue, you won’t fully eliminate bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria take advantage of the situation and begin to multiply, leading to problems like gum inflammation. In the long term, this can result in tooth loss. In fact, such inflammation may spread through the body and trigger sepsis.
Another reason tongue cleaning is important is related to the appearance of the tongue. An unclean tongue darkens over time. Food and drink residue accumulates and stains the tongue, causing discolouration and a coated or “hairy” appearance — which may be aesthetically unpleasant. It can also lead to bad breath.
Benefits of Tongue Cleaning
There are many benefits to maintaining tongue hygiene. Oral care is a whole, and full hygiene requires complete oral cleanliness — including the tongue.
The benefits of tongue cleaning can be listed as follows:
- Prevents bacterial overgrowth in the mouth
- Supports a healthy tongue colour and texture
- Prevents bad breath
- Reduces tooth decay and gum problems
- Improves your sense of taste
- Aids the digestive system
- Prevents tartar formation
- Removes food particles accumulated on the tongue
- Reduces mouth sores
- Contributes to a more aesthetic smile
- Allows early detection of tongue cancer
- Supports the immune system
- Helps relax tongue muscles
- Reduces the negative effects of smoking and alcohol on oral health
- Enhances the effectiveness of mouthwash and sprays
- Makes speech easier by allowing free tongue movement
- Helps relieve dry mouth
- Reduces oral inflammation
- Improves overall tongue health
- Prevents future oral health problems
What Is the Best Way to Clean the Tongue?
Just like brushing your teeth, tongue cleaning should be done carefully. The tools you use should be chosen with attention. Tongue cleaners should be safe, free of harmful substances, and easy to use.
The most common method is using the cleaning surface on the back of some toothbrushes. However, not all brushes have this feature. When choosing a toothbrush, check if it includes a tongue cleaner.
For more effective cleaning, you can use dedicated tongue scrapers. These are specifically designed for tongue hygiene and are usually made from plastic or metal, often double-sided.
If you don’t have access to a tongue scraper or a brush with a cleaning back, you can use a spoon. However, this method is not ideal at first. You should consult your dentist before doing so. You can also gently brush your tongue using your regular toothbrush.
Another option is mouthwash or oral spray. These provide overall oral cleansing and are helpful for tongue hygiene. Antiseptic mouthwashes kill bacteria and microbes on the tongue. However, this alone is not sufficient.
Drinking plenty of water during the day also helps keep your tongue clean. Water aids in removing bacteria and debris and supports saliva production, contributing to natural cleaning.
How to Clean the Tongue?
Your tongue should be cleaned either before or after brushing your teeth. To do this, stick your tongue out and brush it. However, some people may find brushing with a toothbrush painful, and stiff bristles may harm the tongue.
If your toothbrush has a tongue-cleaning surface, you can use it. Stick out your tongue and clean it using circular motions. For a deeper clean, you can switch to a tongue scraper.
How to Use a Tongue Scraper
When using a tongue scraper, apply gentle pressure to avoid injury. Move the scraper from the base of the tongue toward the tip. This removes food residue and buildup.
After scraping, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash. Repeat the process 2 or 3 times until the tongue is clean. Then rinse and dry the scraper and store it in a clean place.
If you don't have a tongue scraper, you can use a spoon. Ensure the spoon is clean and hold it upside down. Place it on the tongue so the bowl touches the upper palate. Gently scrape the tongue surface.
When using a spoon, make sure your movements are gentle and slow. Since spoons are firm, aggressive scraping may cause cuts on the tongue. Afterward, clean and dry the spoon and store it separately from your regular utensils.
How Many Times a Day Should You Clean Your Tongue?
Tongue cleaning should be done at least once a day. Adding it to your brushing routine removes food particles and bacteria from the tongue surface. Cleaning your tongue after brushing reduces your risk of oral health issues.
Remember, oral hygiene is a whole-body process. Your entire mouth must be cleaned thoroughly. If you maintain good tongue hygiene but still notice discolouration, consult your dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Tongue Clean Itself?
Yes, the tongue is self-cleaning to an extent. Surface cells regenerate constantly, and dead cells, bacteria, and food particles are naturally shed. However, this is often insufficient. When natural cleaning isn’t enough, external tongue cleaners should be used.
Can You Clean Your Tongue with Baking Soda?
Baking soda is a natural option for oral hygiene due to its antiseptic properties. It can help reduce germs in the mouth. However, it is abrasive, so you should use it with caution. It’s not recommended to clean your tongue with baking soda without consulting your dentist.
How to Clean the Yellow Coating on the Tongue?
After brushing your teeth, cleaning your tongue thoroughly helps reduce and eliminate the yellow coating over time.
Can You Clean Your Tongue at Home?
Yes, you can easily clean your tongue at home using a toothbrush, tongue scraper, spoon, or mouthwash.
Should You Clean Your Tongue Before or After Brushing?
Tongue cleaning is generally done after brushing your teeth.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Tongue?
The tongue is naturally prone to bacterial buildup. Without cleaning, it can develop discolouration, cause bad breath, and lead to oral diseases.
