We clean our teeth daily, but the tongue is sometimes skipped. Still, brushing the tongue can have more benefits than you might think. It would promote oral health. Read below whether that is actually the case and how you can best clean the tongue
Bacteria on the tongue
When brushing, flossing and rinsing, the teeth are thoroughly addressed. Bacteria on and between the teeth are removed and washed away. However, many bacteria remain on the tongue. Due to the structure of this muscular organ, there can be as many as 500 different bacteria on your tongue. Some of these microorganisms pose no danger, but the other part can cause the tongue bacteria to become unbalanced.
Tongbeslag
Almost everyone has a white layer of proteins on their tongue. This layer is called tongue coating and generally does no harm. When the bacteria that live on it become out of balance, this layer may thicken and you will start to smell bad. Although brushing the tongue has not been fully proven to improve oral health, dentists recommend it. After brushing your teeth, tooth bacteria or food residues can remain on the tongue. These are then not washed away and can run their course again on the teeth, which increases the risk of tartar.
Also read: The color of our tongue says something about our health
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This is how you clean the tongue
The main reason for brushing the tongue is to combat and prevent bad breath. You can do this with your toothbrush. Please note: do not apply too much pressure, as the bristles can damage the tongue. Some toothbrushes have a back that is specially made for brushing the tongue. Gently move the toothbrush 6 times over your tongue in an X-shape. Do not make brushing movements, this would actually spread the microbes more. Never use toothpaste for this.
The Tongue Scraper
If you really want to do it right, purchase a tongue scraper. This is the most effective means of cleaning the tongue. Place it on the back of the tongue and slowly scrape it forward. Rinse the scraper and then scrape the sides of your tongue. Repeat this 2 to 3 times. Most bacteria are on the back of the tongue so place the scraper as deep as possible in your mouth.
Gag reflex
You may have to gag quickly when cleaning your tongue. This is a reflex that acts as a defense mechanism and protects us from the ingress of foreign substances, objects in the trachea, pharynx and esophagus. This can be annoying when brushing your teeth or scraping the tongue. It helps to exhale through the mouth and in through the nose while slowly moving the scraper or brush forward.
(Source: Mondhygienisten.nl, health net, Margriet, dentist.nl)
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