Your tongue is covered in taste buds and other rough surfaces that can harbor bacteria. Cleaning it each day as part of your daily oral hygiene routine can reduce plaque development and help prevent bad breath.
This can be done after you have completed the task of brushing and flossing your teeth. Brush your tongue in a gentle circular motion. Make sure you brush around the sides of the tongue and the rough surfaces of the taste buds. This will help clean your tongue of some bacteria and freshen your mouth.
Some people prefer to use a tongue scraper. This usually comes in the form of a small, plastic handle with a mildly sharp edge on one end. When using a tongue scraper, you should work from front to back, making multiple overlapping sweeps. If you notice a buildup of material on the blade edge, you should rinse it off before making another pass over your tongue.
Once your tongue has been cleaned, you can rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash. This can wash away lingering bacteria and freshen your breath. Just keep in mind that antiseptic mouthwash can’t clean between teeth like dental floss can. Any material left in these areas will once again promote plaque formation and bad breath.
If you have questions about how to clean your tongue in Sandy, Utah, you can always call The Dental Studio at 801-278-4787 to ask your dentist, Dr. David S. Peterson, a question.