The Ultimate Guide to Tongue Cleaning: Keep Your Breath Fresh
Have you ever noticed a white coating on your tongue or had bad breath that just wouldn’t go away? These are both signs of a dirty tongue, a common problem that can affect anyone regardless of their age or oral hygiene routine. The tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease if left untreated. That’s why tongue cleaning is an essential part of oral hygiene. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of tongue cleaning, how to do it, DIY solutions, dos and don’ts, Ayurvedic techniques, and how often you should clean your tongue.
The Benefits of Tongue Cleaning and How to Do It
Tongue cleaning has numerous benefits, including fresher breath, improved taste, and better oral health. Cleaning your tongue can remove bad bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. It can also stimulate your taste buds, making food taste better. And lastly, it can improve your oral hygiene by removing plaque and bacteria from your tongue.
To clean your tongue, you can use either a tongue scraper or a tongue brush. A tongue scraper is a tool made of metal or plastic that gently removes the coating from your tongue. A tongue brush is a softer option and is similar to a regular toothbrush with soft bristles. Generally, tongue scrapers are more effective at removing the bacteria, but many people prefer the brush because it’s gentler on the tongue.
Here’s how to use a tongue scraper:
- Open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue.
- Place the tongue scraper at the back of your tongue.
- Gently pull the scraper forward to the tip of your tongue.
- Rinse the scraper with water and repeat until you’ve cleaned the entire surface of your tongue.
Here’s how to use a tongue brush:
- Wet the tongue brush with water.
- Open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue.
- Place the tongue brush at the back of your tongue.
- Gently brush the surface of your tongue, moving the brush back and forth and side to side.
- Rinse the brush with water and repeat until you’ve cleaned the entire surface of your tongue.
DIY Tongue Cleaning Solutions
If you’re looking for an alternative to a tongue scraper or brush, there are many natural DIY solutions you can make at home. Here are a few suggestions:
Baking soda: Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water to make a paste. Apply the paste to your tongue and gently scrub the surface with your finger or a soft toothbrush. Rinse your mouth with water and repeat twice a week.
Saltwater: Mix a half teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat twice a day.
Hydrogen peroxide: Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide with water. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out. Rinse your mouth with water and repeat once a week.
The Dos and Don’ts of Tongue Cleaning
When it comes to tongue cleaning, there are a few dos and don’ts you should keep in mind:
Do:
- Clean your tongue twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.
- Use a tongue scraper or brush to remove the coating from your tongue.
- Rinse your mouth with water after tongue cleaning.
- Replace your tongue scraper or brush every 3 months or when it becomes worn out.
Don’t:
- Use your toothbrush to clean your tongue. Toothbrushes don’t reach as far back on the tongue as scrapers or brushes and can actually spread bacteria around your mouth.
- Apply too much pressure when cleaning your tongue. Be gentle to avoid irritation or injury.
- Forget to rinse your mouth after cleaning your tongue. This will help remove any debris that may be left in your mouth.
Ayurvedic Tongue Cleaning Techniques
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, recommends tongue cleaning as part of a daily self-care routine. According to Ayurveda, tongue cleaning can improve digestion, boost the immune system, and reduce bad breath. The two Ayurvedic techniques for tongue cleaning are using a copper tongue scraper and a herbal mouthwash.
Copper tongue scraper: Copper is believed to have antimicrobial properties that can kill bad bacteria in the mouth. To use, hold the ends of the U-shaped scraper and gently scrape the surface of your tongue from the back to the front. Rinse your mouth afterward.
Herbal mouthwash: Ayurveda recommends using a herbal mouthwash to rinse the mouth after tongue cleaning. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil, peppermint oil, or neem oil with water and swish in your mouth for a few seconds before spitting it out.
How Often Should You Clean Your Tongue
It’s recommended to clean your tongue twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. However, if you notice any signs of a dirty tongue, such as a white coating or bad breath, it’s a sign that you should clean your tongue more frequently. You can also clean your tongue more frequently if you are sick or have been eating strong-flavored foods.
Regular tongue cleaning can take some getting used to, but once you’ve established it as part of your daily routine, you’ll notice the benefits. Your breath will be fresher, you’ll taste your food better, and your oral health will improve. So give it a try, your tongue will thank you!
Conclusion
Tongue cleaning is an essential part of oral hygiene that many people overlook. A dirty tongue can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease, so it’s important to make tongue cleaning a part of your daily routine. Tongue cleaning can be done with a scraper or brush, and there are even natural DIY solutions and Ayurvedic techniques you can try. Remember to clean your tongue twice a day, replace your tools regularly, and rinse your mouth after cleaning. With regular tongue cleaning, you’ll experience fresher breath, better taste, and improved oral health.
