For many people, brushing the tongue is a vital yet common oversight in daily oral hygiene. Tongue brushing eliminates bacteria, freshens breath, and enhances oral health, ensuring a cleaner mouth beyond the teeth. Making tongue brushing a part of your routine gives your mouth a soothing, comprehensive clean.

The role of tongue care in oral hygiene

The tongue, with its unique muscular structure and rough surface covered in tiny papillae, is often overlooked despite its crucial roles in tasting, speaking, and swallowing. While essential for its functions, the tongue’s bumpy texture also makes it a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to bad breath and other oral health issues.

Without incorporating tongue care into your daily oral hygiene routine, the tongue becomes a hotbed for bacteria, silently affecting oral health. Gently brushing or scraping your tongue reduces the population of these bacteria to healthy levels, promoting a healthier mouth and ultimately supporting your well-being.

How to brush the tongue

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly brush the tongue:

Select your tool:

For best results, use a toothbrush with a built-in tongue cleaner or a dedicated tongue scraper. The choice is yours. 

Add toothpaste:

If using a toothbrush, apply a small toothpaste to the bristles.

Extend your tongue:

Stick your tongue out to ensure you can reach all areas, but avoid going further back to avoid triggering the gag reflex.

Brush or scrape with care:

Start at the back of your tongue and gently brush or scrape forward to the tip. Use light pressure to avoid irritation.

Cover all areas:

For a complete clean, brush or scrape the sides and the middle of your tongue.

Rinse thoroughly:

Rinse your mouth with water to remove loosened debris and bacteria after brushing or scraping.

Make it routine:

To keep your mouth fresh and healthy, include tongue brushing in your daily oral care routine, ideally twice daily.

Health benefits of brushing the tongue

Brushing the tongue offers numerous benefits, including:

Fresher breath:

By brushing your tongue regularly, you can significantly reduce the activity of breath-causing bacteria, leading to fresher breath. Imagine starting your day with a clean slate and a minty-fresh mouth. Now, that’s something to smile about.

Improved taste:

The tongue is home to thousands of taste buds, tiny sensory organs that allow you to savor the flavors of your favorite foods and drinks. However, a buildup of bacteria and debris can dull your taste buds, making food less enjoyable. Brushing your tongue removes this buildup, enhancing your taste sensation.

Enhanced oral hygiene:

Your tongue is like a sponge that traps bacteria, food particles, and dead cells. This leads to bad breath, plaque buildup, and tooth decay. Incorporating tongue brushing into your daily oral hygiene routine helps remove these harmful elements, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Better health:

Because the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body, brushing your tongue protects your mouth and promotes better overall health. It’s a proactive way to keep your immune system strong and reduce the risk of systemic infections. So, next time you’re brushing your teeth, take an extra 30 seconds to brush your tongue. Your breath will be fresher, your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll enjoy better oral and overall health.