How to clean a tongue efficiently and effectively

It’s quite easy to clean and brush your tongue, so it will be simple enough to add it to your daily oral hygiene routine. Follow these three simple steps for how to clean your tongue well: 

• Always start with the basics of good oral hygiene.
  Your tongue is only as clean as the rest of your mouth. Start your oral hygiene routine by making sure you always brush your teeth at least twice a day, for at least two minutes, with a gentle toothbrush.
• Next, make sure you brush your tongue.
  The second step, and the most obvious one when it comes to cleaning your tongue, is brushing your tongue. This will help you to dislodge bacteria accumulated on the surface of your tongue. Here’s how to brush your tongue:
  
  

1. Stick your tongue out. 
2. Scrape from the back of your tongue to the tip with your toothbrush.
3. It is preferable to use the back of the brush head if it’s equipped with a tongue-scraper specially created for the spongy tongue surface. 
4. Rinse the tongue scraper between each passing to avoid putting the scraped bacteria back into your mouth.

• Use antibacterial mouthwash. This is an especially important step if you have mouth ulcers or wounds. Antibacterial mouthwash can help these heal faster and also prevent toothbrushing from becoming painful.

Tip: Even electric toothbrushes can be equipped with a specialist tongue cleaner, like the Philips DiamondClean Smart Series with TongueCare+ toothbrush head. The integrated tongue scraper can be replaced regularly with the toothbrush head.

How to protect your oral health now that you know how to brush your tongue

Cleaning your tongue and following our steps to maintain your oral hygiene with the correct toothbrushing technique, flossing and more are only half the story. There is no better protection for your oral health than preventing issues from arising in the first place. With that in mind here are some top tips to protect your oral health now that you know how to clean your tongue well:

• Limit your intake of coffee.
• Reduce or quit smoking and using tobacco products.
• Reduce your alcohol consumption.
• Consume sugary foods and drinks in moderation.
• Rinse with water, then brush your teeth and tongue half an hour after eating (or drinking) sugary or acidic foods and drinks. 

So, there you go. Should you brush your tongue? Yes! Is it difficult to do? No! There really is nothing complicated about brushing your tongue. Now you know how to brush a tongue in three simple steps, all you need to do is add this to your daily routine. In no time at all it will be second nature and your mouth will be clean and healthy.

Sources:

¹ News in Health, Mouth Microbes

² MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopaedia, Plaque and tartar on teeth

³ MSD Manuals, Tongue Discoloration and Other Changes

⁴ National Library of Medicine, Halitosis - StatPearls