How many ways are there to clean the tongue? In reality, many people do not properly practice some ways to clean their tongue. This leads to unpleasant breath and increases the risk of oral diseases. Below, Bedental will share some ways to clean the tongue and the benefits of tongue cleaning through the following article.
I. The importance of proper tongue cleaning
The importance of proper tongue cleaning is crucial. This is because it is also a habitat for many harmful bacteria that affect our oral health.
Moreover, tongue cleaning also brings many other benefits such as improving oral health, enhancing the taste sensation when eating, eliminating bad breath, and removing toxins.
1.1. Improving oral health
Scraping the tongue helps remove plaque, food debris, and residue left on the tongue after eating.
This helps eliminate the conditions for the development and proliferation of disease-causing bacteria. Therefore, proper tongue cleaning will help enhance overall oral health.
1.2. Reducing white tongue condition
As the plaque builds up on the tongue, it can create white or cloudy patches, as well as brown discoloration, which affects its appearance. Moreover, the uneven distribution of plaque can result in a white or yellowish color on the tongue.
Therefore, when the tongue becomes white and unclean, it can cause people to feel self-conscious in communication. Hence, it is important to diligently clean your tongue to help reduce this condition.
1.3. Enhancing taste sensation when eating
The sensation of enjoying food starts with saliva secretion. If the tongue is coated or has an unpleasant odor, it can affect the taste sensation while eating. In some cases, it can even make it difficult to fully appreciate the flavors of each dish.
Furthermore, the tongue is where taste buds are concentrated. If the tongue is covered with plaque and dirt, these taste buds cannot come into contact with the food. This is why you may not be able to fully enjoy the taste.
By simply cleaning your tongue properly, you can experience a pleasant taste sensation and stimulate your taste buds to fully enjoy the flavors of your favorite dishes.
1.4. Tongue scraping to reduce bad breath
The freshness of your breath depends greatly on how well you maintain oral hygiene. If you properly clean your tongue and mouth, your breath will have a pleasant, gentle scent.
On the contrary, when the tongue is not properly cleaned, bacteria residing in the base of the tongue multiply, invade, and decompose the food particles stuck on the tongue’s surface, resulting in an extremely unpleasant odor.
1.5. Tongue scraping stimulates other organs in the body
Cleaning the tongue is similar to giving it a massage, and when we rub the tongue, it stimulates the nerve endings in the tongue. This massage activity helps relax the nerves, glands, and other internal organs in our body.
You may not know this, but while massaging the tongue, it also releases dopamine, a hormone that makes us feel more comfortable, regardless of the location on the body where the tongue is massaged.
1.6. Eliminating bacteria
During the process of cleaning the white tongue, you will partially eliminate harmful bacteria present in the oral cavity.
This is also the main cause of your characteristic bad breath. Furthermore, if harmful bacteria accumulate, it can lead to various oral diseases such as tooth decay, gum inflammation, and oral infections.
1.7. Preventing toxin absorption
Our bodies eliminate toxins while we sleep. The thick white coating on your tongue is also a part of the toxins that your body has eliminated.
Therefore, if you don’t know how to get rid of the white tongue, the toxins will continue to exist and accumulate in your body.
When we eat and swallow saliva, it becomes easy to reabsorb those toxins from within. Therefore, you should take the time to regularly clean your mouth to prevent the absorption of toxins.
II. How many ways are there to clean the tongue?
To keep your tongue clean on a daily basis, you can utilize three safe and effective methods: using a toothbrush, specialized tongue scrapers, and tongue cleaning solutions.
2.1. Cleaning the tongue with a toothbrush
Cleaning your tongue with a toothbrush is the simplest and quickest method you can do right away. Typically, the backside of toothbrush bristles will have ridges and grooves for tongue scraping. However, in terms of safety, this may not be the most optimal method.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Use a toothbrush with a backside designed for tongue scraping.
Step 2: Extend your tongue as far back as possible.
Step 3: Apply toothpaste to the middle of your tongue.
Step 4: Gently brush along the surface of your tongue, repeating the motion until you feel your tongue is thoroughly cleaned.
Step 5: Rinse your mouth to remove any debris in the oral cavity.
Step 6: Rinse the toothbrush with hot water for hygiene purposes.
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2.2. Using specialized tongue cleaning tools
Using specialized tongue cleaning tools can help remove bacteria and buildup much more easily compared to traditional toothbrushes.
Tongue scrapers are designed specifically for the purpose of scraping the tongue. The most common types are plastic scrapers or curved oval-shaped scrapers.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Choose a suitable tongue cleaning tool for yourself.
Step 2: Extend your tongue as far out as possible.
Step 3: Place the tongue scraper at the base of your tongue.
Step 4: Apply moderate pressure to place the scraper down and begin moving it from the base of the tongue to the tip. Repeat this process until your tongue feels clean and dry.
Step 5: Rinse your mouth with clean water to remove any remaining residue.
Step 6: Clean the tongue cleaning tool for future use.
2.3. Using tongue cleaning solutions
To enhance safety, after using a toothbrush or specialized tongue cleaner, you can combine it with a mouthwash solution.
In fact, these solutions are the same oral care products that we commonly use. The ingredients in mouthwash products help clean and improve bad breath.
After brushing your tongue, you can take a mouthful of mouthwash and swish it around in your mouth for about 30-60 seconds before spitting it out.
Regularly following this method will help eliminate bad breath and quickly whiten your tongue.
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III. Things to know for proper tongue cleaning
Things to know for proper tongue cleaning – cleaning the tongue may seem like a simple task, but not everyone knows the exact details and necessary information.
For example, should you clean your tongue regularly? How often should you clean it, and when should you replace your tongue cleaning tool? Here are some important points to know for proper tongue cleaning:
3.1. Should you clean your tongue regularly?
The ideal frequency for tongue scraping is 1-2 times per day, once in the morning after waking up and once in the evening before going to bed.
Excessive tongue cleaning multiple times a day won’t instantly eliminate bad breath. In fact, if you scrape too forcefully and frequently, it can cause damage to the oral mucosa.
It’s important to understand that daily tongue cleaning does not completely remove bacteria or eliminate oral diseases. Tongue cleaning only helps reduce the bacterial load and the impact of bacteria in the oral cavity.
3.2. How often should you clean and replace your tongue cleaning tool?
Similar to toothbrushes, tongue cleaning tools should be cleaned after each use to minimize bacterial buildup.
Furthermore, it is recommended to replace your tongue cleaning tool every three months, just like you would with a toothbrush.
3.3. Common types of tongue cleaning tools
Currently, there are various types of tongue cleaning products available on the market, but the most common ones are made of stainless steel, plastic, or silicon.
– Stainless steel tongue scrapers: These tools are lightweight and convenient. The scraping head is made of stainless steel, which is durable, resistant to rust, and corrosion from acidic substances.
– Plastic tongue scrapers: These products are designed with a metal handle that provides flexibility, convenience, and comfort during use.
– Silicon tongue cleaners: These are often popular among women. They are made of liquid silicone, free from BPV, and considered safe for users’ health.
It’s essential to choose a tongue cleaning tool that suits your preferences and needs, ensuring it is safe, effective, and easy to use.
IV. Best traditional tongue cleaner for fresh breath and oral hygiene
In addition to the tongue cleaning methods mentioned above, you can also consider some traditional remedies for tongue cleaning, such as using lemon, salt, turmeric, baking soda, etc.
4.1 Tongue cleaning with honey
Honey is known as a natural remedy with a pleasant sweet taste. With its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and wound-healing properties, honey is widely used for tongue and oral hygiene, preventing unpleasant breath due to bacterial infection.
Step 1: Take a sufficient amount of honey with your hand.
Step 2: Apply the honey to the base of the tongue and gently scrape it.
Step 3: Apply honey to the teeth and gently scrape them as well.
Step 4: Leave it on for about 5-7 minutes, then rinse your mouth with saltwater.
Another tongue cleaning method with honey that you can consider is mixing honey with boiling water and rinsing your mouth with it twice a day (morning and evening). This method is safe for your health and can be applied to children as well.
Note: Before applying honey to your tongue and gums, it is advisable to clean your mouth with warm water or diluted saltwater. Additionally, make sure to regularly clean your hands as well.
4.2 Tongue cleaning with salt
Tongue cleaning with salt is a simple yet effective practice for maintaining oral hygiene. Using a mixture of salt and water, gently scrubbing the tongue’s surface helps remove bacteria, food particles, and debris that can lead to bad breath and other oral health issues. Salt’s natural antimicrobial properties make it an excellent choice for cleaning the tongue, leaving behind a fresh and clean feeling in the mouth.
To clean your tongue with salt, start by mixing a small amount of salt with warm water to create a saline solution. Then, using a clean tongue scraper or a soft toothbrush, dip it into the saline solution and gently scrape or brush your tongue from back to front.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid causing discomfort or irritation. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water afterward. Tongue cleaning with salt helps remove bacteria, food particles, and dead cells from the tongue’s surface, promoting better oral hygiene and fresher breath.
4.3 Tongue cleaning with baking soda
To clean your tongue with baking soda, create a paste by mixing a small amount of baking soda with water to form a thick consistency. Then, using a clean toothbrush or a tongue scraper, apply the baking soda paste to your tongue.
Gently brush or scrape your tongue in a back-to-front motion, covering the entire surface. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously to avoid irritation.
After cleaning, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any residue. Baking soda helps neutralize acids in the mouth, eliminate bacteria, and freshen breath, making it an effective option for tongue cleaning.
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