Brushing and flossing is extremely important to do every day for optimal oral health. Cleaning your tongue is another necessary step to remember. Your tongue is a major feature of the mouth. You use it every day to eat your favorite foods and speak to your friends and family. Your dentist can tell you how to properly clean your tongue and why it’s so important.
Why Do I Need to Clean My Tongue?
Just like teeth, bacteria builds up on your tongue. The tiny bumps on the tongue are called papillae. Between the papillae, bacteria, dead skin cells, and particles of food collect. When it becomes trapped, you can develop bad breath and a white discoloration of the tongue. Bacteria can also spread from your tongue to your teeth, increasing the likelihood of plaque and tartar build up.
What’s the Best Way to Clean My Tongue?
There are two ways to properly clean your tongue:
- Brushing: This involves gently scrubbing your tongue with a moistened toothbrush. You can do this after brushing your teeth. Gently brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth before rinsing.
- Scraping: If you’d prefer a different method to clean your tongue, you could try scraping. Tongue scrapers can be found fairly inexpensive at most pharmacies. They are designed to glide along the surface of your tongue. This takes off the top layer of mucus, bacteria, and any debris. Place the scraper on the back of the tongue and slide it down along the surface towards the tip.
What If It Hurts or I Gag When Cleaning My Tongue?
If you’re feeling discomfort when you are cleaning your tongue, you are probably brushing or scraping too vigorously. Reduce the amount of pressure that you are using. The skin on your tongue is sensitive and can be easily inflamed or irritated. If you have a wound or a sore, wait until it heals before cleaning your tongue. You do not want to irritate it or cause more damage.
If you have a sensitive gag reflex, cleaning your tongue can be tricky. If touching the back of the tongue triggers an involuntary gag response, try sticking your tongue out and relax it when you are about to make contact with the sensitive part. At the same time, exhale fully. This can override the gag reflex, making it easier for you to brush or scrape your tongue.
Cleaning your tongue is an often forgotten, but important part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Whether you choose to brush, scrape, or both, taking this step everyday can help improve your breath and overall oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph has been practicing dentistry for over 25 years in the Conway area. He is the owner of Dental Development Seminars, which provides dedicated lectures and hands-on instruction in several countries across the world. He is also currently a member of the American Dental Association and the South Carolina Dental Association. For more information on oral hygiene or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (843) 488-4357.