Why Cleaning Your Tongue is Important and How to Do It Right

There are many types of cleaners available in the market to clean the tongue, but scraper is most commonly used. This cleaner is available in the market under the name "tongue cleaner" or "tongue scraper". You should choose the right scraper to clean the tongue. Tongue scrapers are available in all three forms - plastic, copper and steel. Most tongue scrapers are shaped like a spoon.

You can also use a toothbrush or spoon to clean the tongue, but these do not completely clean the bacteria that cause bad breath, that is why you are suggested to use tongue scraper only. The correct way to clean the tongue is given here:

• First of all, stand in front of a mirror. After this, open your mouth and take out the tongue. 
• Place the round part of the tongue scraper on the back of the tongue.
• If you are hesitant due to the sound of gagging (sound like vomiting) during this time, then start cleaning from the middle part of the tongue. After some time, when you get used to it, you can also clean the tongue from the back. 
• While cleaning the tongue, apply the tongue scraper on the tongue with light hands. After this, bring the scraper out from the back of the tongue by applying light pressure. After this process, lift the scraper and again bring it out from the back of the tongue. This starts removing the dirt accumulated in your tongue.
• When the dirt starts coming out with the tongue scraper, remove it with water, cotton or a clean cloth. 
• Repeat this process until your entire tongue is clean. Using the scraper two to three times on the same part of the tongue is enough.
• After the tongue is cleaned, rinse with clean water.
• After this, wash the tongue cleaner or scraper with warm water or soap and dry it and keep it in a clean place. 
• This whole process takes less than two minutes. Also, if needed, you can repeat this process again at any time of the day.

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The benefits of cleaning the tongue are explained in detail below:

• Cleaning the tongue makes it easier for you to feel the taste of food.
• The tongue looks clean due to the removal of the white layer.
• Bacteria are removed.
• Removal of bacteria prevents cavities, gum disease and other problems. 
• Bad breath is removed.

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Disadvantages Of Cleaning The Tongue

Cleaning the tongue can have the following disadvantages:

• The problem of gag reflex is the biggest disadvantage of cleaning the tongue. In this, you may vomit while cleaning the tongue. To reduce this, you should first start from the middle of the tongue. 
• There is a fear of tongue scraping with tongue scraper, to avoid this, avoid using sharp scraper.
• Using a scraper with more pressure can damage the taste buds and the skin of the tongue. In such a situation, use the scraper with light hands.

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Cleaning the tongue is very important for oral health. To clean it, clean it lightly with the help of tongue cleaner or toothbrush while brushing in the morning. This process helps in removing bacteria, dirt and dead cells accumulated on the tongue. The benefits of cleaning the tongue include reducing bad breath, activating the taste glands and preventing teeth and gum problems. However, rubbing it too hard can cause injury or irritation to the tongue. Cleaning the tongue in the right way and regularly is beneficial for maintaining overall oral hygiene.