Do you clean your tongue every day?

 

Do you clean your tongue every day?

The tongue is vital for chewing and swallowing food, as well as for speech.

The large surface area and papillae of the tongue that promote tongue coating by retaining microorganisms and oral debris consisting of food, saliva and dead epithelial cells.

Tongue cleaning is done less often than tooth brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.

Tool used for tongue cleaning is called a  tongue cleaner (also called a tongue scraper or tongue brush). They are made from plastic, copper and stainless steel.

Advantages:

•   Reduces sulfur compounds that cause bad breath. (Although scraping can help banish bad breath, consistency is the key.)
•   Reduces bacteria on the tongue.
•   Contributes to a fresher-feeling mouth.
•   Reduces plaque. Prevents dental caries and periodontal disease
•   Improve your sense of taste. 
•   Improve the appearance of your tongue. .
•   Improves overall health.

 

How to perform a tongue scraping?

To perform tongue scraping, follow these steps:

1. Stand in front of a mirror, open your mouth, and stick out your tongue.
2. Gently set the rounded end of the tongue scraper at the back of your tongue.
3. If you’re worried about gagging, you may find it helpful to start at the middle of your tongue. You can gradually start from farther back as you get used to scraping.
4. Gently touch the scraper to your tongue. Slowly pull it forward, toward the tip of your tongue. You should never push the scraper from the tip of your tongue back. Always go from the back of the tongue to the tip.
5. After each scrape, use a washcloth or tissue to remove debris from the scraper.
6. Repeat until you’ve scraped the entire surface of your tongue. One to two scrapes across the same area is usually enough.
7. Wash the tongue scraper with warm water and soap, dry, and store in a clean, dry area.

The entire process usually takes less than two minutes. At a minimum, scrape your tongue when you brush your teeth. Repeat as needed throughout the day.

 

Things to remember:

• Improper use of a tongue cleaner may induce the gag reflex and/or vomiting.
•   Overuse of a tongue cleaner may also cause damage to the taste buds.
• It’s also possible to accidentally cut the surface of your tongue with the scraper. You should be mindful of how much pressure you’re applying.

Whether you use a tongue scraper, toothbrush, or oral mouth rinse, tongue cleaning is a good addition to your daily oral health practices. If you notice any unusual changes to your tongue, don’t hesitate to talk to a doctor or a dentist.

iDent, Idyll Dental Clinic

To book an appointment with us:

Call us at: +912240147049/09321330133

Email: smileident@gmail.com

Website: www.smileident.com