How to Choose a Tongue Cleaner
Tongue cleaner is used to remove remains of food, postnasal drip and extra bacteria from the back of your tongue, near the throat. The front part of the tongue is easily accessible and also rubs against teeth and gums, but the back side needs a specific dental cleaner. The two most commonly used dental aids for tongue cleaning are tongue brushes and tongue scrapers.
Mostly people use their toothbrush to clean the tongue as well, but a tongue cleaner is more effective when it comes to reducing bad breathe. The tongue cleaner gently scrapes gunk on the surface of your tongue that simple brushing would not remove. However, it is important to consider a few things when choosing a tongue cleaner, most important being its size and ease of use.
Instructions
-
1
There are two types of tongue cleaners available in the market, tongue brushes and scrapers. Select the one of your preference, a medium sized one can easily reach the far end of your tongue without feeling too uncomfortable.
-
2
Check the size of your tongue in a mirror before buying a tongue cleaner. This will help you find the right sized cleaner. Whilst smaller cleaners are suitable for small tongues and older children, a wide tongue cleaner cleans the tongue in few strokes.
-
3
For a tall model, choose a tongue cleaner that is a little bit flat. A flat brush or scraper is less likely to trigger the gag reflex.
-
4
If you are comfortable with brushing the tongue, then go for a tongue brush. Apply some toothpaste, that includes an antibacterial agent like chlorine, on your brush and gently rub it on the surface of your tongue.
-
5
If you have a strong gag reflex, go for a tongue scraper. A scraper has a low profile and allows you to scrape further back on the tongue, without triggering any gagging effects. To use a scraper, gently rub it on your skin, starting from the back. After you have removed the mucus, apply toothpaste with some antibacterial agent, using the same scraper. Let it stay there while you brush your teeth, and then spit it out.
-
6
Besides your tongue’s cleanliness, you should also take care of your cleaner, so go for a material that is easy to clean. Scrapers made up of stainless steel can be easily sterilized at home, using boiling water or any other antibacterial solution. But the bad thing about them is that they are relatively expensive.
