In this article
Cleaning your tongue is super important for keeping your mouth healthy! It helps get rid of bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath and even tooth decay. It improves your sense of taste and makes your mouth feel fresher. Believe it or not, cleaning your tongue is also linked to overall oral health.
When you remove bacteria from your tongue, you're reducing the risk of gum disease and other oral issues. But some people might skip tongue cleaning because they find it uncomfortable or don't realize how much it matters. Trust me, though—it's totally worth it for a healthier smile!
How to clean your tongue with a tongue scraper
Here are more detailed steps for cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper:
Step 1. Prepare
Stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit area. Rinse the tongue scraper under warm water to keep it clean and free of any debris or residue.
Step 2. Position
Stick out your tongue as far as comfortable. It's extended to its full length. Hold the tongue scraper with both hands, gripping it firmly but gently.
Step 3. Scrape
Starting from the back of your tongue, place the rounded edge of the tongue scraper onto the surface of your tongue. With light pressure, glide the scraper forward along the length of your tongue and move towards the tip.
Avoid pressing too hard or causing discomfort. The goal is to remove buildup without causing irritation. Repeat this scraping motion several times. You need to cover the entire surface area of your tongue.
Ste 4. Rinse
After scraping, rinse your mouth with water to remove any loosened debris and bacteria. Spit out the rinse and make sure to expel any remaining residue from your mouth.
Rinse the tongue scraper under warm water to clean off any collected debris. Lastly, store the tongue scraper in a clean, dry place for future use.
How to clean your tongue with baking soda
Okay, so cleaning your tongue with baking soda is super easy. You just need to mix a small amount of baking soda with water to make a paste. You want it to be thick enough to stick to your tongue but not too gritty.
Then, use a clean toothbrush or your finger to apply the paste to your tongue. Scrub your tongue in circular motions for about a minute, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Finally, rinse mouth with water to remove the baking soda residue and any loosened debris. It's a quick and simple way to freshen up your breath and keep your tongue clean!
How to clean your tongue properly with a spoon
Cleaning your tongue with a spoon is another easy method that you can do at home. You should choose a clean spoon with a rounded edge. Try to stick out your tongue as far as you can and place the rounded edge of the spoon at the back of your tongue. You should scrape the spoon along the surface of your tongue and move it forward towards the tip. Now, repeat this scraping motion several times. Be careful not to press too hard or cause discomfort.
After scraping, rinse to remove any loosened debris and bacteria. Spit out the rinse and you need to expel any remaining residue from your mouth. You can also clean the spoon with warm water and soap after each use to keep it hygienic.
How to clean the back of your tongue
Here are four steps to clean the back of your tongue:
Step 1. Position
Stand in front of a mirror and open your mouth wide. Extend your tongue out as far as possible and reach towards your chin.
Step 2. Gag reflex
Be mindful of your gag reflex, as cleaning the back of your tongue may trigger it. If you have a sensitive gag reflex, try gradually extending your tongue further over time to desensitize it.
Step 3. Scrap or brush
Use a tongue scraper, toothbrush, or another cleaning tool used commonly for the tongue. Place the cleaning tool at the back of your tongue, ensuring it reaches the posterior region. Apply light pressure and scrape or brush the surface of your tongue in a forward motion towards the front.
Step 4. Repeat and rinse
Repeat the scraping or brushing motion several times. Rinse to remove any loosened debris and bacteria. Spit out the rinse and you also need to expel any remaining residue from your mouth.
How to keep your tongue healthy: 3 tips
Look at the four tips to keep your tongue healthy:
Do some regular cleaning work
Clean your tongue daily using a tongue scraper or toothbrush with soft bristles. You can scrape or brush the surface of your tongue from back to front to remove bacteria, food particles, and dead cells that can cause bad breath and oral health issues.
Always stay hydrated
It's advised to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist and prevent dryness, which can contribute to bacteria buildup on the tongue. Adequate hydration also helps maintain saliva production, which is necessary in washing away food particles and bacteria.
Healthy diet
You can choose to have a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. You need to avoid excessive intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they can promote bacterial growth and lead to tongue discoloration and other oral health problems.
