Your tongue is constantly packed with bacteria and many people fail to make time to clean this body part. Skipping the tongue after brushing your teeth can have negative side effects. Besides, a white tongue is an unpleasant sight, and you surely do not want people to see it.
Having a dirty tongue will also make your breath smells awful. If you are feeling clueless, then, continue reading to know more about how you can take care of your dental health and finally say goodbye to a white tongue.
Why you need to clean your tongue daily
There are plenty of great reasons why you should keep your tongue clean every day, such as:
- You can have better dental health: Your tongue is filled with bacteria, and not cleaning it may lead to gum infections, tooth decay, and other dental issues. The bacteria may also spread to your body and cause sickness. A lot of people are unaware of this. Remember that your dental health also determines your overall health. Cleaning your tongue is one of the best ways to maintain good health, so do it every day.
- Your body is protected from toxins: Your body works to get rid of all toxins and chemicals as you sleep. The white film covering your tongue is the result of your body’s cleaning session. It means that upon waking up, your tongue is packed with those toxins. If you do not clean your tongue, then you are just letting the bacteria stay longer in your body. Eliminate all the toxins and chemicals on your tongue, so you can finally get rid of them from your system.
- You get to appreciate food better: The white coating on your tongue can also affect your sense of taste. If you love food too much, then you will want to keep this area clean. The white film will prevent you from enjoying the food and beverage that you consume.
- You get to enjoy fresher breath: The food and drink you consume will pass through your mouth. The natural process of breaking down those food particles will cause a chemical reaction. This oxidative process leads to bad breath when you fail to care for your dental health. There are millions of decaying food cells inside your mouth, and other people can smell it. Try to clean your tongue and you will see the significant improvement in your breath.
- You stimulate your organs for improved function: Your tongue contains nerve endings that, when scraped, stimulate your body’s organs. Just like massaging the feet, cleaning your tongue can help improve body functions through stimulation. The tip of your tongue has a connection to your heart, while the sides can stimulate your gall bladder, spleen, and liver.
How to clean your tongue
The first thing to do before cleaning your tongue is to assess it. If you see any unusual discoloration, change in appearance, or feel any discomfort, then make sure to see your dentist. Your dentist will be able to see what’s wrong and answer your questions.
1. Choose your preferred cleaning tool
There are different types of tongue cleaners, so choose your preferred tool. The most commonly used are the scrapers and brushes. They normally have soft ridges that you pull across the surface. Some toothbrushes have a tongue cleaner on the back.
2. Swish mouth using warm water
Swishing warm water will help loosen the white film to make it easier to remove. Make sure, however, that you spit the water as soon as you finish swishing. This will prevent the toxins from going back to your throat. You don’t want all the bacteria back to your body, do you?
3. Brush or scrape from the back to the front
Brush or scrape your tongue from the back to the front repeatedly. The cleaning should be done every morning, before consuming anything. It is also recommended that you do this twice a day, along with your regular brushing. Clean the area gently to avoid wounding the surface. You will notice a residue buildup on the cleaning tool. Simply rinse it off to make it clean again for the next use.
4. Use mouth rinse
Use a mouth rinse after cleaning your tongue. This will help wash away any loose residue and give you a fresher breath. Swish the mouthwash a bit to ensure your tongue has been completely rinsed. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes as they can dry your mouth. Look for a mouth rinse with hydrogen peroxide if the situation is severe.
5. Repeat the process daily
As mentioned earlier, do clean your tongue as often as possible, but do it gently. You now know the benefits of having a clean tongue, which is why you should pay close attention to your overall dental health. The cleaning process should not take too long, so you can easily insert it even in your busy schedule.
Also read: How to Get Soft Lips