While many people take care to brush their teeth, floss, and rinse with mouthwash, the tongue is neglected all too often. This is a shame because the tongue is the source of most bad breath, especially in tandem with many of our favorite foods and beverages such as wine and coffee. While the tongue cannot develop cavities, it is certainly a place where bacteria love to fester. In fact, most bacteria live in crevices of the tongue and spread to other areas of the mouth from there.
Rinsing
Most of tongue-related bacteria buildup consists of microorganisms that agglomerate on the surface. Because of the nature of these organisms, simple rinsing is not enough to combat them, even with the most efficient mouthwash. The reason for this is that most mouthwashes only destroy the outer layers of these organisms, leaving everything beneath completely in tact. The surviving bacteria cause bad breath, tooth decay, and a variety of other problems. Consequently, adequately brushing one’s tongue is essential.
Techniques
After brushing your teeth, turn your attention to your tongue. Cleaning the tongue can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including using a toothbrush or a tongue scraper. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to either and gently rub the device back and forth across the surface of the tongue, taking care not to irritate the taste buds or other structures. Brush the back of the tongue first, then make your way to the front, taking care to cover the entire surface. When finished, rinse with water and spit into the sink.
On Tongue Scrapers
Tongue scrapers are the most effect means of cleaning one’s tongue. They are typically constructed from fine, malleable plastic that adeptly removes microorganisms from the surface of the tongue. After following the procedure outlined above, rinse the tongue scraper under warm water to ensure that it is properly cleaned. Should your tongue become irritated or bleed, you are likely scraping too hard. The ideal method is to scrape slowly without applying a lot of pressure. Additionally, remember that the most concentrated amount of bacteria resides at the center of the tongue.
Frequency
Cleaning one’s tongue should be implemented into one’s daily oral hygiene routine. Consequently, it should be accomplished at least twice per day. Additionally, if you have a funky taste in your mouth or notice that your mouth is particularly dry, try brushing your tongue.
If you have any questions pertaining to brushing your tongue, consult your dentist or oral hygiene professional.
