Tongue cleaner

Tongue cleaner is a oral hygiene tool designed to clean the tongue. It is used to remove bacteria, food debris, fungi, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue. The use of a tongue cleaner can help reduce bad breath (halitosis) and improve overall oral health.

History

The practice of tongue cleaning dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its use in various cultures including Ancient India, where it was recommended as part of Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine. The tools used for tongue cleaning have evolved over time from crude implements to the modern, ergonomically designed tongue cleaners available today.

Types

There are several types of tongue cleaners, including:

• Tongue brushes, which resemble toothbrushes but are designed specifically for the tongue.
• Tongue scrapers, which are usually made of plastic or metal and are designed to scrape the surface of the tongue.
• Tongue cleaning gels, which can be used in conjunction with tongue brushes or scrapers to help remove bacteria and freshen breath.

Benefits

The primary benefits of using a tongue cleaner include:

• Reduction in halitosis, as cleaning the tongue can remove the bacteria and compounds that cause bad breath.
• Improved sense of taste, as removing the coating on the tongue can expose the taste buds.
• Improved oral health, as removing bacteria from the tongue can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

Usage

Proper use of a tongue cleaner involves:

1. Standing in front of a mirror to see the tongue.
2. Extending the tongue as far as possible.
3. Placing the tongue cleaner at the back of the tongue and gently pulling it forward, scraping off the accumulated coating.
4. Rinsing the tongue cleaner after each pass.
5. Repeating the process until the entire surface of the tongue has been cleaned.

It is recommended to use a tongue cleaner at least once a day, preferably as part of a morning or evening oral hygiene routine.

Precautions

While tongue cleaning is generally safe, it is important to use gentle pressure to avoid damaging the tongue. People with medical conditions affecting the tongue or mouth should consult a healthcare professional before starting tongue cleaning.

See also

• Oral hygiene
• Bad breath
• Tooth brushing
• Dental floss