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Tongue Brushing: The Last Step in Cleaning your Breath

Sep 14, 2018
Our Torrance based dentist finds that brushing your teeth twice a day might not be enough to rid yourself of halitosis, more popularly known as bad breath. Cleaning your tongue is an essential step in your routine to achieve fresh, clean breath.

Tongue Brushing: The Last Step in Cleaning your Breath

Our Torrance based dentist finds that brushing your teeth twice a day might not be enough to rid yourself of halitosis, more popularly known as bad breath. Cleaning your tongue is an essential step in your routine to achieve fresh, clean breath. Make sure to keep these following tips in mind every time you brush your teeth:

Brushing your Tongue

Tongue Brushing: The Last Step in Cleaning your Breath

The bristles of your toothbrush are essential in the cleaning process. A specialized toothbrush with a tongue cleaner will conveniently help refresh your breath. The tongue houses bacteria and food beneath a small amount of mucus. Apply a minimal dab of toothpaste to the toothbrush and brush your tongue to remove odor buildup. Begin the process by starting toward the back of the tongue, and then bring the tongue cleaner to the front of the mouth. Lastly, brush the whole top surface of your tongue with a small amount of pressure, and end by rinsing your mouth with water.

Tongue Scraping

Use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue thoroughly. A tongue scraper consists of a flexible and soft plastic that lightly peels the thin layer of mucus off the tongue. Ensure that you rinse the tongue scraper under warm water each time you swipe with it. If you feel that your tongue is sore or starts to bleed, then lessen the force with which you use the tongue scraper. Slowly work the tongue with light pressure. It’s important to note that the bulk of the bacteria tends to lie at the tongue’s center.

The Frequency of Tongue Cleaning

Our Torrance Dentist team finds that the best way to end a brushing/flossing session is by cleaning your tongue. Clean your tongue at least one time in the morning and once during the evening before you go to sleep. If you notice that your mouth is dry or smells unpleasant in the middle of the day, then clean your tongue.

Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash after you clean your tongue is highly effective in moisturizing your mouth will kill additional bacteria.

About Select Dental Group & Orthodontics: Torrance Dentist

Maintaining fresh breath is more than just brushing your teeth. Our Torrance Dentist team provides the highest quality of care and informational resources for all patients. Book an appointment here and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more news about teeth cleaning.