Cleaning your tongue is important for several reasons — it’s not just about fresh breath. Here’s why you should make it part of your daily oral hygiene routine:
1. Reduces Bad Breath (Halitosis)
The tongue can trap bacteria, food debris, and dead cells, especially in the back. These accumulate and produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which are the main cause of bad breath.
2. Improves Taste
A coated tongue can dull your taste buds. Cleaning it helps remove the buildup so you can better taste and enjoy your food.
3. Helps Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Bacteria on the tongue can transfer to your teeth and gums. Regular tongue cleaning helps reduce the overall bacterial load in your mouth, which supports healthier teeth and gums.
4. Supports Overall Oral Hygiene
Even with regular brushing and flossing, the tongue remains a major reservoir for bacteria. Cleaning it completes the oral hygiene routine.
5. May Support Better Immune Function
Your mouth is the entry point to your body. Reducing the bacteria in your mouth can help lower your risk of infections and inflammation elsewhere.
How to Clean Your Tongue:
- Tongue Scraper: Most effective; scrape from back to front several times.
- Toothbrush: Better than nothing, but less effective than a scraper.
Daily: Ideally, clean your tongue every time you brush your teeth.