When we think of oral health, we think of brushing our teeth twice a day, flossing and using mouthwash. But did you know that your tongue harbours the largest amount of bacteria of all the places in your body?
Is tongue cleaning necessary?
The tongue is full of crevices and minute structures that are the perfect gathering place for bacteria, so if your current routine focuses solely on your teeth and gums, you could be missing out on a huge problem area.
Without manual removal, the bacteria that gathers on the tongue will simply continue to build up, making tongue cleaning just as important as brushing your teeth. But what happens if you let millions of bacteria grow on your tongue? Well, if left it can produce sulphur compounds, which can cause bad breath as well as other health issues.
What are the benefits of cleaning my tongue?
There is a wide range of benefits to cleaning your tongue, and it’s important to include it in your daily routine to ensure a clean and healthy environment. Here are some of the benefits of regularly cleaning your tongue:
- Gets rid of bad breath – bacteria on the tongue is one of the biggest causes of bad breath, but this can be easily reduced with regular tongue cleaning.
- Makes food and drink taste better – your tongue is full of taste buds which can become blocked with bacteria if left.
- Helps to prevent cavities – bacteria in the mouth can add to the formation of plaque, so the cleaner your tongue, the less risk of plaque build-up.
- Feels fresher – a bacteria-filled tongue can make you feel dirty, but for the freshest mouth, clean your tongue twice a day when you do your teeth.
- Improves your overall oral health – from reduced bacteria and plaque to a fresher feeling (and smelling) mouth – cleaning your tongue is great for your overall oral health.
The good thing is that cleaning your tongue needn’t be a drastic step in your routine, and it can take less than 15 seconds to do from start to finish. Read on to find out how to keep your tongue clean!
How to clean your tongue
There are several ways you can choose to clean your tongue, from those that are completely free, to options that require a small investment for specific tools. Either option is effective though, so let’s go through them in more detail.
How to use a tongue scraper
Tongue scrapers are very popular nowadays, and at just a few pounds, they can offer a thorough cleaning option that works to remove bacteria and dead cells. To use:
- Place the scraper at the back of the tongue and gently pull the tool forwards to the front of the tongue.
- Repeat this movement several times from different angles of your tongue
- Rinse your mouth regularly as you go to remove any loosened debris
- Rinse the tongue scraper between each use to keep it clean and sanitary
Tongue cleaning with a scraper is considered an important part of your daily oral healthcare routine, and your dentist will be able to advise you on how to get the most out of yours.
Cleaning your tongue with a toothbrush
If you don’t want to invest in a specific tool to clean your tongue, you can use your toothbrush instead. To clean your tongue with a toothbrush, simply:
- Place a small amount of toothpaste onto your toothbrush
- Start at the back of the tongue and brush forwards to the front of the tongue
- Remember not to press too hard, but maintain firm pressure and forward and back motion
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly once finished removing any loosened debris
It’s always a good idea to finish your tongue cleaning with good mouthwash to ensure your mouth is completely cleansed.
How to clean the back of your tongue
Cleaning the back of your tongue can be a little tricky, especially if you have a hypersensitive gag reflex.
To ensure minimal discomfort, gently position your toothbrush at the back of your tongue. Brush it forward and backwards lightly, making sure to spit out any saliva, and rinse your brush with warm water afterwards.
How to clean your tongue naturally
If you’re struggling to keep your tongue clean with your toothbrush or a scraper, there are a few natural cleaning methods you can try, including:
• Probiotics – research suggests that taking probiotic supplements and eating probiotic foods, such as yoghurts, soft cheeses, and sourdough bread, help prevent tongue inflammation and inhibit the growth of bacteria on the tongue.
• Raw garlic – using an organic raw garlic supplement or a single clove has proven to be an effective natural treatment for eradicating bacteria on the tongue.
• Baking soda – using baking soda acts as an exfoliant for your tongue, removing any residue that causes white tongue and helping maintain a good pH level in the mouth by neutralising acids.
• Aloe vera juice – swilling your mouth with just one tablespoon of aloe vera juice up to three times a day can help to remove the bacteria that causes the white coating on your tongue.
How to clean a newborn baby’s tongue
A newborn’s tongue should ideally be cleaned twice every day – but how do you do it?
The first (and most important) step is to make sure your hands are clean.
Then, take a gauze or cloth-covered finger dipped in warm water and gently open your baby’s mouth, rubbing gently in circular motions over their tongue, gums and the insides of their cheeks to remove any milk residue.
How often should you scrape your tongue?
Bacteria can develop and grow at a fast rate, so it’s advised to clean your tongue twice a day, at the same time as you would brush your teeth. Keeping it as part of your normal routine will help you to remember and will help to remove debris and build-up at the beginning of the day and at the end.
Would you like more advice about keeping your mouth clean? Simply get in touch with our team who’d be more than happy to help. Call us on 020 8748 4023 or email us at [email protected].
