Cleaning Your Tongue

Tongue, Brushing, Scraping, Etc.

Cleaning Your tongue to prevent bad breath & improve oral health.

One of the best ways to make sure your breath is fresh and clean is to make sure that your tongue is healthy and clean as well. The tongue may seem like a smooth surface, but nothing could be further from the truth. Upon closer examination, you’ll see the tongue has many tiny bumps and divots. This textured surface is perfect for bacteria to grow and thrive. That’s why cleaning your tongue by brushing, scraping, or using mouthwash is a critical part of your oral hygiene—one that many people overlook. While there are many possible causes of bad breath (halitosis), considering the tongue as a potential source is always an easy first step.

Without proper cleaning, your tongue is one of the prime origins of embarrassing smells. It also may recontaminate other portions of your mouth much more quickly. To prevent this, use your toothbrush to scrub the surfaces of your tongue. This practice may feel a little odd while you’re getting used to it, and you should take care not to injure this sensitive organ.

Additionally, you can consider purchasing a tongue scraper to accompany your daily brushing. This small plastic device features ridges, bristles, or some combination of semi-abrasive surfaces. It is dragged across the surface of your tongue to remove any build-up.

Finally, you may consider using antibacterial mouthwash or rinses to help further reduce bad breath. However, avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as these can dry out mouth tissues. Inhibiting saliva may, in turn, make bad breath even worse.

Feel free to ask your dentist for a recommendation on combating halitosis. If it is an ongoing problem, there may be prescription-strength medications to assist you. Don’t live with embarrassing bad breath, contact us today for a cleaning, check-up, and consultation.