There are several components to good oral care. Common actions include brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and attending biannual checkups and exams with our team. One often-overlooked task is cleaning the tongue. A simple solution for cleaning tongues is the use of a tongue cleaner. Having a dedicated tool for this task can be beneficial for the patient’s mouth and body when the tongue cleaner is used correctly.

Benefits of Tongue Cleaners

Research shows that tongue-cleaning twice a day increases the effectiveness of taste buds. Tongue-scraping also removes the white coating that accumulates on the tongue; this is vital since the white coating is often an accumulation of problematic items such as bacteria and mucus. Tongue-scraping reduces the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risks of bad breath and tooth decay. Fewer harmful bacteria in the mouth will lead to better overall health as well. Some studies show that tongue cleaners also provide gentle stimulation to the patients’ internal organs.

Potential Issues with Tongue Cleaners

First-time users of tongue cleaners may trigger their gag reflexes or even induce vomiting. Placing the tongue cleaner no further than the center of the tongue will reduce the risk of activating the gag reflex. Also, some models of tongue cleaners are designed to minimize or eliminate the possibility of triggering the gag reflex. Misusing a tongue cleaner, or using a tongue cleaner with uneven edges, can injure the mouth. Patients are urged to inspect their tongue cleaners before purchasing and using them. In addition, patients should be mindful of how much pressure they exert with their tongue cleaners. Patients will need to clean their tongue cleaners regularly to prevent tongue infections.

If you have questions about tongue cleaners and how to properly use them, call our Milwaukie or Oregon City offices for a free consultation.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334