Why Does the Tongue Need Cleaning?

Alright parents, we all know brushing your teeth is key to keeping your mouth in check, but here’s a curveball for you—what about your tongue? That pinkish, wiggly thing with tiny bumps sitting in your mouth isn’t just a passenger on your oral hygiene journey. It’s more like the backseat driver. You’ve got food bits, bacteria, and other stuff building up there. So ‘how to clean your tongue’ is the topic of the day here…

And guess what? If your tongue is dirty, so is your breath. That’s right, bad breath often starts there. So, cleaning your tongue isn’t just about keeping it pretty; it’s about keeping your whole mouth smelling fresh (especially important for those bedtime stories or goodnight kisses).

How To Clean

Now, tongue cleaning might sound like one more thing to add to your to-do list, but don’t sweat it—it’s easy. You can start by brushing it. After you’re done with your teeth, just turn your toothbrush to your tongue and give it a good scrub. Don’t give too much pressure though—you’re not sanding down a deck here! Start from the back of the tongue and work your way forward, scraping off the gunk like food debris. Now, if you’re really feeling fancy, get yourself a tongue scraper. More on that in a minute.

Should You Use A Tongue Cleaner Instead Of A Toothbrush?

Good question! So here’s the deal: both toothbrushes and tongue scrapers will get the job done, but a scraper is like the power tool for the job. Think of it as upgrading from a standard wrench to an electric drill—way more effective.

A tongue scraper is designed to specifically target those bacteria and debris living on your tongue’s surface. It does a more thorough job of clearing things out, and it’s also quicker. If you’re the type of dad who loves his gadgets, you’ll enjoy adding this to your bathroom arsenal.

That said, a toothbrush can still handle the job, especially if you’re just getting started with this whole tongue-cleaning thing. But if you want to take your oral game to the next level, go for the scraper.

Tongue Brushes

What’s a tongue brush, anyway? A tongue brush is specially designed just for cleaning your tongue. It’s like a toothbrush, but instead of focusing on your pearly whites, it’s made for the flatter surface of your tongue. The bristles are softer and often arranged in a way that better fits the grooves of your tongue, helping to sweep away more gunk (that’s the technical term for odor-causing bacteria and food particles, by the way).

The brush is gentle but effective, giving your tongue a more thorough clean than just your regular toothbrush can. And the best part? It feels pretty darn satisfying, kind of like giving your tongue a mini massage.

Avoiding Gag Reflex When Cleaning Your Tongue

Oh my..That’s me right there! My dad was the same…gagging so loud the neighbors could hear. Let’s talk about the gag reflex—the natural enemy of tongue cleaning. We’ve all been there. You go too far back with your brush or scraper, and suddenly, you’re dry heaving over the sink. Fun, right? No worries, I’ve got your back.

The trick is to start slow. Don’t try to scrub the back of your tongue like you’re cleaning a grill. Begin by working the middle and gradually ease your way toward the back as you get used to it. And breathe through your nose! It helps distract your brain from that “uh-oh” moment when you get too close to the gag zone.

Another pro Dad tip? Try doing it first thing in the morning before breakfast. An empty stomach means less chance of triggering that reflex.

How Often Do I Need To Brush My Tongue?

So, how often should you be cleaning that tongue of yours? Every day… Yep, just like brushing your teeth, this is something you should do daily. And here’s why: the growth of bacteria builds up pretty fast, especially while you’re sleeping. So, giving your tongue a quick scrub in the morning helps start your day with fresh breath and a clean mouth.

If you’re really committed to keeping your mouth in tip-top shape, you could even clean your tongue at night too, but once a day is a great place to start.

Tongue Cleaning Benefits

Now, if you’re thinking, “Is this really worth the extra effort?” The answer is a big, fat yes! Having a healthy tongue has some pretty sweet benefits:

• Fresh breath: No more worrying about knocking people out with your morning breath. Cleaning your tongue helps eliminate bad breath by getting rid of stinky bacterial growth.
• Better Sense of taste: Ever noticed food tastes bland sometimes? That could be because your tongue is covered in gunk. Clean it up, and suddenly those pancakes taste 10 times better.
• Improved oral health: Regular tongue cleaning can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and even canker sores. Oral bacteria on your tongue can transfer to your teeth and gums, so scrubbing it away protects the whole crew.

Best Oral Health Practices

Alright, dads, regular tongue scraping is just one piece of the puzzle. If you want to keep that million-dollar smile, here’s what you need to do:

• Brush twice a day: This one’s obvious, right? Use fluoride toothpaste to give your teeth the best defense against cavities.
• Floss like a boss: It’s not the most fun part of the routine, but flossing every day is non-negotiable. It gets rid of the stuff that hides between your teeth—where your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Eat right: You know the drill. Load up on fruits, veggies, and healthy stuff. A balanced diet is just as important for your mouth as it is for the rest of your body.
• Visit your dentist: I know, not everyone loves the dentist. But trust me, visiting them twice a year for cleanings and checkups is the best way to catch problems before they become major headaches (or toothaches!).

Teaching Kids to Clean Their Tongue (And Actually Enjoy It!)

We all know kids can be a little iffy about brushing their teeth, so asking them to clean their tongues might seem like a big ask. But don’t worry—it’s totally doable, and it can even be a fun part of their routine with the right approach. Here’s how to get those little mouths squeaky clean!

When Should Kids Start Cleaning Their Tongue?

You can start teaching kids to clean their tongues as early as age 3 or 4, once they’re comfortable brushing their teeth without too much help. At this age, they’re learning independence and routines, so why not add cleaning the surface of the tongue as a habit into the mix? It’s the perfect time to teach them that taking care of their entire mouth (not just their teeth) is important.

If they’re old enough to brush their teeth on their own, they’re definitely ready to add tongue cleaning into the process.

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How to Teach Kids to Clean Their Tongue

Start by making tongue cleaning sound cool—because to a kid, everything’s better if it’s fun. Tell them it’s like “brushing your tongue’s teeth” or “sweeping the dance floor in your mouth.” Here’s how to get started:

1. Show them how it’s done: Kids learn by watching, so go ahead and clean the surface of your tongue in front of them. Make a super simple brushing technique, and maybe even a little fun. You could say, “See? My tongue’s doing a little morning workout!” They’ll be curious and more likely to give it a try.
2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: At first, they can just use their toothbrush for tongue cleaning—something they’re already familiar with. Tell them to gently brush from the back to the front of their tongue, just like they do with their teeth. Keep it gentle though with gentle pressure; we don’t want them thinking they need to scrub like they’re cleaning spaghetti sauce off a plate!
3. Get them a tongue scraper (if they’re ready): Once they’re more comfortable, you can introduce a small tongue scraper. Make it fun by letting them pick one out in their favorite color or design. Tell them it’s a new “tool” to keep their superhero smiles extra clean. Plastic scrapers are the most common ones to use. I’ve seen a metal tongue scraper or two in the past but I’ve never personally used them. 
4. Praise their efforts: Kids love positive reinforcement, so give them a high-five or a “good job!” after they’ve cleaned their tongues. You can even add a sticker chart to track their progress, with a reward after they’ve done it consistently for a week or two.
5. Turn it into a game: You could challenge them to see who can clean their tongue the longest or who has the shiniest tongue afterward (but keep it light—no intense competition). Little games like this help make the habit stick and keep a healthy mouth in the process.

How Often Should Kids Clean Their Tongue?

Just like with adults, kids should clean their tongues once a day, usually during their regular tooth-brushing routine. Morning or night works, but doing it after they brush in the morning is a great way to kick-start their day with fresh breath. Plus, it’s easy to remember when it’s attached to a routine they’re already doing.

For younger kids (3-5), once a day is more than enough. For older kids, especially those in their pre-teens and beyond, you can encourage them to clean their tongue morning and night as they get used to it.

How Parents Can Help

At first, your child might need a little help or encouragement with cleaning their tongue, especially when it comes to avoiding the gag reflex. Here’s how you can support them:

1. Demonstrate: If your child is hesitant, show them how you do it. Kids are often more comfortable trying something new when they see a parent do it first.
2. Start with the front: If your child has a strong gag reflex, start by encouraging them to clean just the front of their tongue and gradually work their way toward the back. Remind them to breathe through their nose while cleaning to reduce the gagging sensation.
3. Make it fun: You could make up a silly song or story about tongue cleaning. Something like, “We’re sweeping off the tongue pirates to keep your teeth safe!” Turning it into a mini-adventure makes it more engaging for little ones. Don’t do this with your teenager, I’m just saying…
4. Keep it short and sweet: Don’t make tongue cleaning seem like a chore. If it’s quick and fun, they’ll be more likely to stick with it. You can say something like, “Let’s clean your tongue—it’ll only take 10 seconds, and then you’ll be done!”
5. Use visuals: If your child is a little scientist at heart, show them what happens when they don’t clean their tongue. Explain that the human tongue collects germs, and cleaning it is a good idea to help get rid of the “yucky stuff” so they can have fresh breath and good oral health.
6. Offer choices: Give them some control over the process. Let them choose their toothbrush, toothpaste, or plastic tongue scrapers. This gives them a sense of ownership over their oral hygiene routine.

The Last Scrape

By now, you’ve got the scoop on why cleaning your tongue is essential and how to do it. But don’t stop there—your entire oral health routine matters. Tongue cleaning, brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits all work together like a team. You don’t want to slack on one part, or the whole system falls apart. When it comes to good oral hygiene habits it’s really up to your own personal preference on which tools to use or the best method. 

Think of your mouth as a car. The teeth are the wheels, the gums are the engine, and the tongue is the steering wheel. You wouldn’t drive around with a dirty steering wheel, right? So, maintain a clean tongue to keep the whole “car” running smoothly.