We do brush our teeth and seldom clean our tongue or scrape the surface of the tongue with a tongue scraper ( tongue cleaner ) available in both plastic and metal ones. Now tongue scrapers are even available in pure copper material. Studies have claimed that the efficiency of cleaning the tongue with a tongue scraper is superior to brushing the tongue with a tooth brush.

So what causes bad breath, food particulates get accumulated on the surface of the tongue between the taste buds they ferment and releases Sulphur compounds which releases nascent vapours causing bad breath.

Recent literatures suggest that using tongue scrapers damage the taste buds more often. It’s now suggested to brush the tongue with your own tooth brush rather using a tongue scraper. Either you can use a tongue scarper once in a while and use your tooth brush rest of the time to clean the tongue.

Cleaning your tongue with a toothbrush

Using a toothbrush may be less effective than using a tongue scraper. Its easier to use, if you’re already brushing your teeth twice a day.

Here’s how to clean your tongue with a toothbrush:

• Try using a soft-bristle toothbrush.
• Stick out your tongue as far as it will reach.
• Position your toothbrush at the back of the tongue to prevent gag reflex.
• Brush lightly forward and backward along your tongue.
• Spit out saliva that appears during the brushing and rinse out the toothbrush with warm water.
• Clean your tongue as often as you brush your teeth.

Its always advisable to brush with 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 5 parts water once in a day if your tongue is discolored. You should rinse your mouth out with water following this type of cleaning.

Mouth washes and it’s uses

Mouth washes especially when combined with toothbrushing can help clean your tongue and other parts of your mouth. Consider using a therapeutic mouthwash containing active ingredients to destroy bacteria in your mouth that may cause bad breath and other conditions. You can find mouthwashes over the counter or You can also ask your doctor or dentist to prescribe one for you. Follow the mouthwash’s instructions for best results.

Maintaining proper oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and cleaning the tongue can help

• reduce sulphur compounds causing bad breath
• Reduces bacterial overload on the tongue
• Helps to regulate better salivation by opening the ducts
• Reduces plaque accumulation as salivation increases
• Helps for better taste perception

Do visit your near by dentist

Always Visualise your mouth after brushing or while maintaining proper oral hygiene

If you notice any unusual changes to your tongue, you should visit a doctor or dentist. For example, visit a doctor if your tongue:

• looks white or develops white patches; some conditions causing this include oral thrush, leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, and oral cancer
• looks red or develops red or pink patches; this may be geographic tongue or another condition
• appears smooth or glossy
• looks yellow, black, or hairy
• is hurt from trauma
• is sore or develops sores or lumps that don’t resolve after a few weeks
• severe burns