How to Clean Your Tongue Properly

Co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Last Updated: July 28, 2022 References Approved

Tongue Hygeine 101

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Best Cleaning Tools

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Cleaning Tips

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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 tongue. 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.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Tongue Hygeine 101

1
Check out your tongue. 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 contribute to a variety of health problems. Your tongue should be pink, and stark discolorations should be taken note of and remedied. Be sure to see an oral health professional if you experience any of these things:^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source}
- Strong concern regarding changes in the appearance of your tongue.
- Tongue coating persists longer than two weeks.
- If you experience persistent tongue pain.
- White areas or desquamation on the surface of your tongue.
2
Know how cleaning your tongue helps. When you use a cleaner on your tongue, you do more than just help fight bad breath. You break up the tissue on the tongue, which helps to avoid hairy tongue.^{[2]
X
Research source} You also remove bacteria that can contribute to tooth decay. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to a variety of health issues, and this includes cleaning your tongue.
- It controls unwanted bacteria that can contribute to tooth decay.
- It fights bad breath.
- Improves your sense of taste.
- You get a better aesthetic when smiling or laughing.
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3
Talk to your regular oral hygienist or dentist. They will be able to answer your questions thoroughly. Don't just passively sit there during your dental appointments, ask questions when you get a chance. There is no substitute for the expertise of these individuals. Your regular dental health professionals will also be to advise you on questions specific to your health.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Best Cleaning Tools

1
Pick a style of tool. There are different types of tongue cleaning tools. Scrapers are the most common. Tongue brushes, while relatively recent, are also relatively common. “Tongue cleaners” are common tools that have a series of soft ridges for pulling across the tongue.
- Research shows both tongue scraping and tongue brushing to be equally effective in reducing the plaque.^{[3]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
- Some combination scraper-brushes are also available, enabling you to brush while you scrape.
- You can also use a toothbrush to clean your tongue. Just brush your tongue as you would your teeth.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tu Anh Vu, DMD
  Board Certified Dentist
  Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.}
2
Determine the material. There are many different materials that tongue cleaning devices are made out of. Metal, plastic, and silicon are common materials. You may find that you prefer one material over another. Give a few different ones a try.
- Stainless steel and copper are two common metals used. Scrapers made from these metals can also safely get placed in hot water for sterilization.
- Plastic scrapers tend to much less expensive, but are not as durable, and will need to be regularly replaced.
- Silicon edges may help to make scraping your tongue more comfortable.
3
Compare brands. Because there are many different companies that produce similar products, it is important to look at the little differences. Contrast pricing, aesthetic and user reviews online, or even look for coupons before you shop. Ask an employee at the store about what brands are most popular.
4
Buy your tongue-cleaning tool. Many grocery stores and pharmacies will sell name brand tongue cleaning tools. You can find a tongue cleaner at Indian groceries or order them easily online. The curved copper ones are simple, highly effective, and last a long time. Or you could ask your dentist or orthodontist for recommendations.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Cleaning Tips

1
Extend your tongue. 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. By extending your tongue all the way, you can also help yourself avoid gagging.
2
Scrape or brush your tongue from the back of the tongue to the front.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.} Do this repeatedly. It is said that it should be done first thing every morning before eating or drinking. It is recommended you do this at least twice a day, with your regular brushing.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- You will get a buildup of residue 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.^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  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 wash away any remaining loose residue, and to freshen your breath.^{[8]
X
Research source} Try swishing the liquids around a bit in order to make sure your tongue is thoroughly rinsed off.
- Alcohol based mouthwashes can dry your mouth out.
- Try using a mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide for extreme situations.
4
Keep it up. Now that you've got the scraper and mastered its use, give your tongue daily attention. This is important. Making tongue cleaning a regular part of your daily habit.^{[9]
X
Expert Source

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.}

Expert Q&A

Question

Why is there sometimes white stuff on my tongue?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic in London. 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.
Question

How can I clean my tongue without using a scraper?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic in London. 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.
Question

How often should I brush my tongue?

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a board certified dentist who runs her private practice, Tu's Dental, in Brooklyn, New York. 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.