Tips

“Are You Brushing Your Teeth Regularly But Still Have Bad Breath? You’re Probably Missing This One Crucial Step.”

Bad breath is not just caused by neglecting to brush your teeth, but also by failing to clean your tongue twice a day.

5 August, 2024

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While brushing your teeth and using mouthwash can help remove food debris and plaque from your teeth and gums, almost half of the bacteria in your mouth reside on your tongue. Therefore, even if you brush your teeth thoroughly, not cleaning your tongue can still lead to bad breath due to the lingering bacteria.

At this point, you might be wondering, “How do I properly clean my tongue?”

Dental professionals recommend using a tongue scraper or cleaner before brushing your teeth, both in the morning and at night. Tongue scrapers are readily available at pharmacies, medical stores, and supermarkets.

Using a tongue scraper is simple: just drag it from the back of your tongue to the front. Some toothbrushes now have a built-in tongue cleaner, which you can use in the same way. Repeat this process until your tongue feels clean, and then rinse your mouth once or twice to finish.

Remember to start from the deepest part of your tongue near the throat, but don’t go too deep as it may cause discomfort or nausea. Also, avoid scraping too hard to prevent a burning sensation on your tongue.

Now you know why you might still have bad breath even if you brush your teeth regularly and thoroughly. Cleaning your tongue regularly is a simple yet effective solution, and you don’t need any complicated methods.

Frequently asked questions

There could be several reasons for this. One crucial step that people often miss is cleaning their tongue. Bacteria and debris can build up on the tongue, leading to bad breath. Additionally, brushing your teeth regularly but not effectively can also be an issue. Make sure you are brushing for at least two minutes, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and replacing your toothbrush every three to four months.

There are a few different ways to clean your tongue. You can use a tongue scraper, which is designed specifically for this purpose, or you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Gently brush or scrape your tongue from back to front a few times to remove any bacteria and debris.