Why (and How) to Brush Your Tongue: A Step-by-Step Guide to Better Oral Health

The tongue is a vital part of the human mouth, helping us discern flavors and explore the characteristics of food. However, if you don’t clean it regularly, oral bacteria can rapidly multiply, potentially harming your teeth. Therefore, tongue cleaning is crucial for oral health!

Why Clean and Brush Your Tongue?

1. Removes bad breath and prevents halitosis

After chewing, food residue and bacteria on the tongue coating ferment in the warm environment of the mouth, producing gases that cause bad breath. Brushing your tongue can reduce bad breath and keep your breath fresh.

2. Improves the taste of food

A thick tongue coating (if left untreated for several days) can affect your sense of taste. Regularly cleaning your tongue while brushing your teeth can improve your taste and restore the original flavor of food.

3. Prevents the occurrence of oral diseases

Bacteria and food residue on the tongue coating are breeding grounds for bacteria. Long-term neglect of the tongue coating can easily lead to oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

So how do you brush your tongue? 

It’s often recommended to use a dedicated tongue scraper or tongue brush. These tools conform better to the tongue surface, providing a more effective cleaning effect. They clean the tongue surface more thoroughly without damaging the oral mucosa, thus effectively preventing bad breath.

1. Features and Usage of a Tongue Brush:

The bristles of a tongue brush are designed to penetrate the fine crevices of the tongue, much like a toothbrush, but for cleaning the surface. Usage: After rinsing your tongue to moisten it, gently scrub the tongue brush from the base of the tongue to the inside of your throat, moving it outwards to clean the surface.

2. Features and Usage of a Tongue Scraper:

Commercially available tongue scrapers are typically made of plastic or metal and have curved edges that better conform to the shape of the tongue to remove stains. Place the edge of the tongue scraper at the back of the tongue and gently pull it forward to the tip. Remember to rinse the tongue scraper with clean water after each scraping. Don’t use excessive force when using a tongue scraper. Ensure that the tongue surface does not feel uncomfortable or red.

3. Characteristics and Usage of a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush:

We can find many types of soft-bristled toothbrushes in supermarkets and stores. The tongue is soft, so choosing a comfortable and soft toothbrush is also important. Follow your normal brushing habits and use a soft-bristled toothbrush gently after eating. 

While this method won’t be as effective as a tongue scraper, brushing three times a day will be more effective. It’s recommended to use it after daily brushing to avoid irritating your throat with harsh toothpaste residue. Extend your tongue and gently scrape (or brush) from the base (closest to the throat) toward the tip. Never work in the opposite direction!

Precautions

When using a toothbrush or tongue brush, be sure to avoid excessive force. The blood vessels and nerves in the tongue are sensitive, and this can cause nerve damage and bleeding. Also, ensure proper hygiene of cleaning tools. 

Tongue scrapers and toothbrushes should be cleaned thoroughly after use and replaced every three months. Frequent changes of tools will prevent bacterial growth. Always monitor changes in your tongue coating: When cleaning your tongue, pay attention to changes in its characteristics. If you notice a thick coating or unusual color, consult a doctor promptly and follow their advice.