There are many types of tongue cleaners… You should carefully consider whether or not this one is right for you.

A clean tongue without white plaque can have a positive impact on your overall impression, which is why many people use tongue cleaners. Recently, the variety has expanded. In addition to the traditional long plastic or silicone tongue cleaners, protruding tongue cleaners, stainless steel tongue cleaners, and even liquid tongue cleaners that you squeeze onto your toothbrush like toothpaste are also popular. Which one is most effective for maintaining tongue hygiene, and what are the proper ways to use it?

◇It is important not to over-clean any type of product.

 

A tongue cleaner is a tool that physically scrapes off white plaque on the tongue. This eliminates bad breath. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology, brushing the tongue with a tongue cleaner reduced volatile sulfur compounds, a cause of bad breath, by 75%. Any type of tongue cleaner can be helpful, as long as you brush gently. The size and shape of the tongue cleaner can be chosen based on personal preference and convenience. The key is to avoid harshly irritating the tongue.

 

Dr. Park Kyung-ah, director of Alps Dental Clinic, said, "When using a tongue cleaner, if you brush too hard, it can irritate your tongue, causing it to swell and become infected, which can lead to even worse bad breath." It's best not to obsess over a pink tongue. A slightly white spot in the center of the tongue, where the lingual papillae are located, is normal. However, if you mistake this for a white coating and scrape it too hard, you could end up damaging it. When finishing brushing your teeth, gently sweeping your tongue from the inside to the outside 3 to 4 times is sufficient.

◇Stainless steel type that can be boiled for hygiene

 

Since tongue cleaners come into direct contact with the tongue, hygiene is crucial. In this regard, stainless steel tongue cleaners are more hygienic than plastic ones. Products that can be sterilized in boiling water are especially recommended.

 

Dr. Park Kyung-ah, director of Alps Dental Clinic, said, "Bacteria multiply much more easily in tongue cleaners when they are wet," and added, "Plastic types can only be used after being completely dried, but the stainless steel tongue cleaners that are being used a lot these days can be boiled in water, so I think they are more hygienic."

 

What about the liquid tongue cleaner, a new form that's recently gained popularity? Company A's squeeze-out tongue cleaner allows you to brush your teeth as usual, then rinse your mouth with water. Then, apply the cleaner to your toothbrush and brush your tongue. It feels more refreshing than brushing your tongue with toothpaste alone, and many reviews report a noticeable reduction in tongue coating after two weeks of use.

 

However, there's still no clear medical evidence supporting the effectiveness of this liquid tongue cleaner. Dr. Park also stated, "The product's full ingredients aren't listed, and there doesn't appear to be any research on how it affects the tongue to remove white coating." He added, "Results may vary from person to person, so it's important to research carefully before using."

◇Rinsing your teeth thoroughly is essential… Consuming oral probiotics can also help.

Dentists often recommend taking oral probiotics as another way to combat bad breath. Dr. Park explains, "Balancing the balance between harmful and beneficial bacteria in the mouth is one way to combat bad breath. Taking oral probiotics increases the number of beneficial bacteria in the mouth, which helps eliminate odor."

 

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Tongue cleaner effective for bad breath

I use silicone,

If possible, stainless steel would be better.

 

After using this

I guess I'll have to change it sometime.