Why you should brush your tongue regularly

For most people, the first step in their morning routine is brushing their teeth before they get about the rest of the items.

The same process is repeated before going to bed at night.

It is a good habit to brush your teeth twice a day but did you know that you are also required to brush your tongue?

First, a warning, cleaning your tongue may trigger your gag reflex, however, there are so many benefits to tongue brushing or using a scraper to remove the bacteria in your mouth.

According to Colgate, brushing your tongue helps reduce bad breath. This is by removing odour-causing bacteria.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), one of the main causes of bad breath is the buildup of bacteria on the tongue.

Brushing your tongue also helps improve your sense of taste by removing the bacteria. This may actually let you taste the flavours in your food better.

It removes bacteria in your mouth that can cause bad breath and tooth decay and in the process improve your overall health.

A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that individuals who brushed their tongues had lower levels of plaque and gingivitis compared to those who did not.

Brushing your tongue also helps improve the appearance of your tongue and the feel by removing the white coating that can build up throughout the day.

According to Colgate, you should brush your tongue whenever you brush or floss your teeth.

How to brush your tongue

Here are the steps to brush your tongue according to Vibe Dentistry:

Choose the right tool - You can use a regular toothbrush to brush your tongue, but a tongue scraper is often more effective.

Tongue scrapers are specifically designed to remove bacteria and debris from the tongue’s surface.

Before brushing your tongue, rinse your mouth with water to remove any loose debris and make the brushing process more effective.

If you’re using a toothbrush, apply a small amount of toothpaste to the bristles. Toothpaste can help remove bacteria and leave your mouth feeling fresh.

Brush gently, starting from the back of your tongue or scrape towards the front. Be sure to cover the entire surface of your tongue, including the sides. Use gentle, back-and-forth motions to avoid irritating the tongue.

After brushing your tongue, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any loosened debris. Repeat the process if necessary, especially if you notice a significant buildup on your tongue.

Rinse your toothbrush or tongue scraper with water to remove any bacteria and debris. If you’re using a toothbrush, make sure to store it upright and allow it to dry completely between uses.

It is advisable to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your mouth clean and reduce the buildup of bacteria on your tongue.

Staying hydrated is important for overall health and can improve your oral hygiene.