Most of us know that it’s beneficial to clean our teeth every day, but did you know that cleaning your tongue can help to reduce the risk of gum disease, halitosis, and cavities?

Why you should clean your tongue

Brushing your teeth is the most effective way to remove food debris and bacteria from your mouth, but if you spend a few seconds cleaning your tongue once you’ve finished brushing, you can achieve an even deeper clean. Your tongue tends to attract bacteria, and most cases of halitosis (bad breath) are actually associated with a build-up of bacteria on the tongue. When these bacteria feed, they produce gases, which have an unpleasant odour. If you brush your tongue, you’ll reduce the risk of bad breath, as well as helping to prevent decay and gum disease.

How to clean your tongue

You can use a normal toothbrush to clean your tongue or you can buy a tongue scraper. Simply glide the brush or scraper along the surface of your tongue and then rinse. Try and reach as far back as possible without making yourself feel uncomfortable. Some people have a very sensitive gag reflex, and if you brush right at the back of the tongue, you may find this unpleasant.

If you need any advice about cleaning your tongue, or you’d like some oral hygiene tips, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our dentists and dental hygienists will be happy to help.