Oral Hygiene Basics: The Importance of Cleaning Your Tongue

Brushing and flossing are essential oral hygiene basics that help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. While many people pay careful attention to their teeth and gums, the tongue is often neglected. However, this large surface of the mouth should also be cleaned on a daily basis. Doing so can help many people enjoy better oral health.

Why it is important to clean your tongue

The textured surface of the tongue allows it to collect and hold onto bacteria and small particles. Over time, these substances accumulate and form a multilayered biofilm on the tongue. Water alone is not enough to penetrate the biofilm and sweep away the bacteria within it. For these reasons, the tongue should be cleaned frequently.

Reduce bacterial growth

Bacteria buildup is rarely a good thing, especially in a person's mouth. The more bacteria that are present, the more likely it is that a patient can develop dental caries, oral infections, and other illnesses and diseases. Cleaning your tongue can help remove excessive bacteria and reduce these risks.

Control bad breath

Buildup on the tongue consists of more than just bacteria. Dead skin cells and food remnants can also collect here. This combination can cause bad breath, especially in the mornings. Scraping the tongue clean is one of the most effective ways to address bad breath.

Enjoy a fresher mouth

Many people find that thoroughly cleaning their tongues improves not just the smell of their mouths, but the taste and feel as well. Removing buildup from inside the mouth keeps the tongue smooth and fresh, resulting in a more pleasant feel overall. It can also help remove any repulsive flavors that result from old food particles or bacteria.

Tools and techniques for proper tongue cleaning

Swishing with water is not enough to remove the thick film from the surface of the tongue. Brushing or scraping are required for a thorough cleaning. However, just as with other oral hygiene basics, it is necessary to use proper tools and a gentle hand; otherwise, the soft skin could easily be damaged.

Brushing and scraping

Some people find it is easy to clean the tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Adding this step to the end of every toothbrushing session can help control buildup. Even so, using a tongue scraper is usually more effective since it can cover the entire surface and remove the film in a single, sweeping motion.

Rinsing

While rinsing alone is not enough to remove the bacteria trapped against the tongue's surface, it can help sweep away newly loosened residue. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after brushing or tongue scraping. Using a mouthwash after these steps can also help ensure thorough cleaning by killing harmful bacteria that brushing or scraping may still leave behind.