The tongue is one of the most important organs in the body, serving many important functions. However, it is often neglected when it comes to oral hygiene. Tongue cleaning is an important practice that is often overlooked but has numerous benefits. In this blog, we will discuss the oral health benefits of tongue cleaning and why it should be an essential part of your oral hygiene routine.
The Benefits of Tongue Cleaning:
Cleaning your tongue is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Here are some benefits of tongue cleaning:
- Reduces Bad Breath: The tongue’s rough surface can harbor bacteria, food particles, and dead cells that cause bad breath. Regular tongue cleaning helps remove these substances, reducing the risk of bad breath.
- Improves Taste Perception: A clean tongue enhances taste perception, allowing you to better appreciate the flavors in food and beverages.
- Reduces Risk of Gum Disease: The bacteria on the tongue can migrate to the gums and cause inflammation, leading to gum disease. Regular tongue cleaning helps reduce the risk of gum disease by removing harmful bacteria.
- Prevents Cavities: The bacteria on the tongue can also contribute to tooth decay and cavities. Regular tongue cleaning helps remove bacteria and reduces the risk of developing cavities.
- Promotes Better Overall Health: Poor oral hygiene has been linked to various health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Regular tongue cleaning helps reduce the risk of these health problems by promoting better overall oral health.
- Enhances Digestion: The tongue plays a crucial role in the first stage of digestion. A clean tongue helps improve taste perception and enhances digestion.
- Improves Appearance: A clean tongue can enhance the appearance of your mouth and teeth, promoting a brighter smile and fresher breath.
In summary, tongue cleaning offers numerous benefits, from reducing bad breath to promoting better overall health. Incorporating tongue cleaning into your daily oral hygiene routine is an easy and effective way to maintain good oral hygiene and promote better overall health.
Types of Tongue Cleaners:
There are two main types of tongue cleaners, tongue scrapers, and tongue brushes. Tongue scrapers are made of metal or plastic and work by scraping the tongue’s surface. Tongue brushes, on the other hand, are made of soft bristles and work by gently scrubbing the tongue’s surface. Both types of tongue cleaners are effective in removing harmful substances from the tongue’s surface, but studies suggest that tongue scrapers are more effective than brushes.
How to Clean Your Tongue:
To clean your tongue using a scraper, begin by sticking out your tongue and placing the scraper at the back of your tongue. Gently scrape forward towards the tip of your tongue, making sure to cover the entire surface. Rinse the scraper under running water after each scrape to remove any debris. Repeat this process until your tongue is clean.
To clean your tongue using a brush, apply a small amount of toothpaste or mouthwash to the bristles. Gently brush your tongue in a circular motion, making sure to cover the entire surface. Rinse your mouth with water after brushing.
Other Oral Health Practices That Complement Tongue Cleaning:
Tongue cleaning should be part of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine that includes brushing teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash. These practices help remove harmful substances from your mouth, leading to better oral health.
Oral Health Benefits of Tongue Cleaning:
Tongue cleaning has numerous benefits, including improved breath, reduced risk of gum disease and cavities, better digestion, and improved overall health. By removing harmful substances from your tongue’s surface, you can enjoy better oral health and overall well-being.
In Conclusion:
Tongue cleaning is an essential part of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine that can lead to numerous health benefits. Whether you prefer a scraper or a brush, make sure to include tongue cleaning in your daily oral hygiene routine. By doing so, you can enjoy better oral health, improved breath, and overall well-being.
Dr. Snehlata Kulhari completed her Bachelors of Dental Surgery (BDS) at Government Dental College in Punjab, India and her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree at the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine in Boston. She has been practicing dentistry since 2011 and has founded Smile Mantra Family Dentistry to provide dental care and education to the community of Cary, NC. Dr. Kulhari stays up to date on the latest dental research and advancements in order to offer her patients exceptional dental care.
