Your tongue can harbor bacteria causing bad breath. As many as 60 million Americans suffer from bad breath. You don’t have to suffer from bad breath.
Cleaning your tongue properly can get rid of unwanted bacteria. Studies also show that cleaning your tongue can reduce plaque levels in your mouth. Learn how to clean your tongue to keep your mouth clean and fresh.
Brush After Your Teeth
After you brush your teeth for a good two minutes, concentrate on your tongue. You can use just the toothbrush bristles or get a toothbrush with an added tongue cleaner on the back of the toothbrush head.
Food particles and bacteria get trapped under the thin layer of mucus on your tongue. Make sure you add another small dab of toothpaste before brushing your tongue.
Start at the back of the tongue and then move forward. Use gentle pressure as you brush the entire surface. When you are done, rinse with water.
Use a Tongue Scraper
If you want a thorough cleaning, you can use a tongue scraper. You should also consider a tongue scraper if you have a strong gag reflex. Cleaning your tongue will be easier than gagging using your toothbrush.
This tool peels back the thin layer of mucus with flexible and soft plastic. You should rinse off the scraper with warm water after each swipe.
Your tongue should never bleed. If it does, it means you are pushing too hard. You should scrape your tongue slowly and only apply light pressure.
Make sure you focus on the center of your tongue. This is where most of the bacteria live.
You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months. When you replace your toothbrush, you should replace your tongue scraper.
Rinse with Mouthwash
After you clean your tongue, mouthwash can help moisturize your tongue and kill any additional bacteria.
Brushing your teeth, cleaning your tongue, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash can keep your mouth clean and fresh. You should do more than tooth brushing if you are looking for fresh breath and preventing gum disease.
How Often Should You Clean Your Tongue
You should clean your tongue every time you brush your teeth. You should clean your tongue at least once in the morning and once before you go to bed.
If you have a bad taste in your mouth or it feels dry, try cleaning your tongue. It may help you freshen your breath.
How to Clean Your Tongue Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to clean your tongue, it’s important to make this part of your regular oral hygiene practices. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, and you should also brush your tongue twice a day.
Be sure to floss and use mouthwash to get the full clean. You can’t get rid of all the bacteria by just brushing your teeth.
Keep checking out our site for other health advice. You can find tips for children, men, and women to help you live your best and healthy life.