Your tongue can collect bacteria, food debris and dead cells. This build-up can lead to bad breath and may affect your oral health.

Cleaning your tongue is a simple extra step you can add to your daily routine.

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Why clean your tongue?

Cleaning your tongue can help to:

• Reduce bad breath caused by bacteria on the tongue surface.
• Remove the white or coated layer that can build up.
• Lower the amount of bacteria in your mouth that contribute to tooth decay and gum problems.
• Improve your sense of taste.

Tongue cleaning is helpful, but it does not replace brushing your teeth and cleaning between them.

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What can I use?

• A tongue cleaner (tongue scraper) designed for this purpose.
• Your toothbrush.
• A spoon, used gently, if nothing else is available.

A tongue cleaner is usually the most effective option.

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How to clean your tongue

1. Stand in front of a mirror and stick out your tongue.
2. Place the cleaner gently towards the back of your tongue (not so far that it hurts).
3. Slowly pull it forward towards the tip of your tongue.
4. Rinse the cleaner and repeat until the surface looks clean. One or two passes in each area is enough.

Always clean from the back of the tongue towards the front.

Afterwards, rinse your mouth and wash the cleaner with warm water and soap.

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If you gag easily

Gagging is common at first. You can try:

• Starting in the middle of the tongue and moving further back over time.
• Breathing out slowly while you clean.
• Going gently – there is no need to press hard.

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When to seek advice

See your dentist or doctor if you notice:

• Ongoing soreness or pain.
• Patches that do not rub off.
• Lumps, ulcers or colour changes.

These need to be checked.

Cleaning your tongue once a day, along with brushing and cleaning between your teeth, can help keep your mouth feeling fresh and healthy.