Jakarta, ThedailyID — Most people know they should brush their teeth twice a day and floss regularly. However, many still overlook another important step: cleaning the tongue.
Dentists say the tongue plays a major role in maintaining oral hygiene. Its surface contains tiny bumps called papillae, which easily trap food debris, dead cells, and bacteria.
If left uncleaned, those substances can build up over time. As a result, they may cause bad breath and increase the risk of oral health problems.
According to Health, cleaning the tongue should become part of a daily oral care routine. It complements brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.
The tongue is one of the main places where bacteria accumulate. Therefore, removing that buildup helps keep the mouth cleaner and healthier.
One of the biggest benefits is fresher breath. Cleaning the tongue reduces bacteria that produce sulfur compounds, the leading cause of bad breath.
In addition, removing the white or yellow coating from the tongue leaves the mouth feeling cleaner. That coating usually consists of bacteria, food particles, saliva, and dead cells.
The National Dental Centre Singapore also notes that the tongue’s large surface area makes it an ideal place for bacteria to collect.
Therefore, using a toothbrush or a tongue scraper can help reduce the amount of bacteria on the tongue.
Dentist Leroy Kiang added that food residue and bacterial buildup may also affect the sense of taste.
Some studies suggest that cleaning the tongue twice a day can improve taste perception, especially for bitter and salty flavors.
However, experts stress that tongue cleaning should never replace brushing your teeth. Instead, it should serve as an additional step in a complete oral hygiene routine.
Cleaning the tongue is simple and does not require special equipment.
According to Gross Dentistas Dental Clinic, people can use a toothbrush or a dedicated tongue scraper.
Start by rinsing your mouth to remove loose food particles. Then, place the brush or scraper at the back of the tongue and gently move it forward.
Repeat the motion several times until the surface feels clean. Next, clean both sides of the tongue, where bacteria can also collect.
Avoid applying too much pressure because it may irritate the tongue.
Although some people experience a gag reflex at first, experts say the sensation usually becomes less noticeable with regular practice.
Ideally, clean your tongue twice a day while brushing your teeth. This simple habit can improve oral hygiene, freshen your breath, and reduce bacterial buildup.
