How to Clean Your Tongue Properly

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Co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: November 29, 2024 Fact Checked

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Tongue Hygiene 101

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Best Cleaning Tools

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Cleaning Tricks

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

The tongue has the heaviest bacterial amount of any part of your mouth. Nevertheless, many people do not take the time to clean their tongues. When you do not clean your tongue properly, you can have negative side effects. Help yourself avoid bad breath, increased tooth decay, and an unsightly tongue. Make sure you clean your tongue properly.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Tongue Hygiene 101

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1
Check out your tongue for bumps and discoloration. Look at the different parts of it. It is not a smooth surface, and all those bumps and crevices can harbor bacteria. Half the bacteria in your mouth lives on your tongue. This can form a film over your tongue and cause health problems. Your tongue should be pink, and stark discolorations should be noted and remedied. Be sure to see an oral health professional if you experience any of these things:^{[1]
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- Strong concern regarding changes in the appearance of your tongue.
- Tongue coating persisting longer than 2 weeks.
- If you experience persistent tongue pain.
- White areas or desquamation on the surface of your tongue.
2
Know how cleaning your tongue helps oral hygiene. When you use a cleaner on your tongue, you do more than help fight bad breath. You break up the tongue tissue, which helps avoid a hairy tongue.^{[2]
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DermNet NZ
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Go to source} You also remove bacteria that can contribute to tooth decay. Good oral hygiene can also help:^{[3]
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- Control unwanted bacteria that can contribute to tooth decay.
- Fight bad breath.
- Improve your sense of taste.
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They will be able to answer your questions thoroughly, so don’t be afraid to ask them about anything. Your regular dental health professionals will also be to advise you on questions specific to your health.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Best Cleaning Tools

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1
Pick a style of tool to clean your tongue with. There are different types of tongue-cleaning tools: tongue scrapers and tongue brushes. Scrapers remove bacteria by scraping it off your tongue; tongue brushes are similar to toothbrushes.
- Research shows both tongue scraping and tongue brushing to be equally effective in reducing plaque.^{[5]
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- Some combination scraper brushes are also available, enabling you to brush while you scrape.
- You can also use a toothbrush to clean your tongue. Simply brush your tongue as you would your teeth.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Tu Anh Vu, DMD
  Board Certified Dentist
  
  Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.}
2
Determine the material of your chosen tongue cleaner. There are many different materials that tongue cleaning devices are made out of, such as metal, plastic, and silicons. You may prefer one material over another.
- Stainless steel and copper can also be used. Scrapers made from these metals can also safely be sterilized in hot water.
- Plastic scrapers are less expensive but less durable and must be replaced regularly.
- Silicon edges may help to make scraping your tongue more comfortable.
Because there are many different companies that produce similar products, it’s important to look at the little differences. Compare pricing, aesthetics, and user reviews online, or even look for coupons before you shop. Ask an employee at the store about what brands are most popular.
Many grocery stores and pharmacies will sell name-brand tongue-cleaning tools. You can also order them easily online or ask your dentist or orthodontist for recommendations.^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning Tricks

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This is so that you can access the full length. You will want to make sure you clean as much of your tongue as you can.^{[8]
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Cleveland Clinic
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Go to source} By extending your tongue all the way, you can also prevent gagging.
2
Scrape or brush your tongue from back to the front.^{[9]
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Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist

Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.} Do this once or twice, applying light pressure until the entire surface of your tongue is scraped. Scrape your tongue first thing in the morning before eating or drinking. It is recommended you do this at least twice a day with your regular brushing.^{[10]
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Cleveland Clinic
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Go to source} Follow these tips for the best results:
- Residue will build up on the tool. Rinse it off, and continue until you've worked over your whole tongue.
- Be gentle. Do not break the skin or push too hard.^{[11]
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  Tu Anh Vu, DMD
  Board Certified Dentist
  
  Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.}
- Only go from back to front.
- Take your time.
3
Rinse your mouth. Use mouthwash and rinse thoroughly to remove any remaining loose residue and freshen your breath. Try swishing the liquid around a bit to make sure your tongue is thoroughly rinsed off.^{[12]
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- Alcohol-based mouthwashes can dry your mouth out, so try avoiding them when you can.^{[13]
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  American Dental Association
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- Try using a mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide for extreme situations to help combat plaque and bad breath.
Now that you have mastered your chosen tongue-cleaning tool, give your tongue daily attention. Making tongue cleaning a regular part of your daily habit can help your mouth stay happy and healthy.^{[14]
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Expert Source

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist

Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.}

Expert Q&A

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Question

Why is there sometimes white stuff on my tongue?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

The white deposits on your tongue are usually plaque. Especially when your saliva is more concentrated and the flow is reduced, bacteria gathers on your tongue and gets harder to wash away. Hydrate when you feel your mouth is dry, and if the problem repeats more often, you can even get a scan for your salivary glands.

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Question

How can I clean my tongue without using a scraper?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

You can wrap your finger with sterile gauze, rinse with mouthwash, and then brush your tongue with the finger from the back to the front. Pull your tongue out to avoid the gag reflex. Do this 10 – 15 times, and then rinse again with mouthwash.

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Question

How often should I brush my tongue?

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

I recommend cleaning your tongue whenever you brush your teeth, so at least twice a day.

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Tips

If you can’t get your hands on a tongue scraper, try using a spoon.^{[15]
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When using a toothbrush to clean your tongue, only brush away from your mouth. You don't want to rub the dirt back into your tongue. Follow the same steps, and use a soft toothbrush to avoid hurting your tongue.

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Cleaning the tongue with a brush may help get rid of bacteria. If you have a fissured tongue, this practice is an important part of healing cracks in the tongue.

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Warnings

Don't scrape too hard, as this could damage your tongue.

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Be careful with what mouthwash you use. Though most work well, they can do more harm than good as they can burn and irritate your tongue/taste buds and inflame them. Buy mouthwash that's gentle.^{[16]
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