The toothbrush contains faecal bacteria, herpes and jaundice/system voila!
We already know that brushing and flossing (every day, twice a day at least) are necessary to keep teeth healthy.
But there is another tool that helps oral health, and for some reason is less known in Israel.
Meet the tongue cleaner, also known as a tongue scraper.
Surveys show that about a third of Americans use it, in addition to brushing and flossing.
The benefits of cleaning the tongue are great and important and various studies have shown that daily cleaning of the tongue has an important role in preventing caries.
Why should you clean your tongue?
While brushing and flossing cleans the bacteria and food residue that has accumulated on the teeth, larger residues remain on the tongue and coat it with a mucus-like substance.
This substance not only re-contaminates the teeth you just brushed, but is also responsible for the unpleasant odors that come out of your mouth.
It is important to note that bacteria in the mouth actually help our health.
The oral cavity contains over 700 species of bacteria, making it the second largest and most diverse microbiome in the human body after the gut.
These microorganisms feed on the carbohydrates in the food you eat and help manage your oral health - and much more.
For example, an overwhelming amount of evidence has shown that oral bacteria are closely related to heart health.
However, the overgrowth of certain types of bacteria can lead to a number of negative consequences, from gum disease to halitosis, aka bad breath.
That's why many experts say that cleaning your tongue, like regular tooth brushing, is a good way to manage this vital ecosystem of bacteria.
Not only does it remove excess bacteria, but it also helps remove food scraps that the microorganisms feed on.
A few seconds twice a day.
tongue cleaner/ShutterStock
What do you clean the tongue with?
The simplest and most effective way is to purchase the tongue cleaner accessory, and pass it twice over the tongue, in a scratching motion.
This procedure does not take more than a few seconds and its benefit for the health of the oral cavity and teeth is great.
You can purchase a tongue cleaner in stores or on the various websites.
You can purchase a plastic cleaner, which can be used daily for several months, or a metal cleaner, which can be easily cleaned after each use and used indefinitely.
Most experts recommend using metal tongue scrapers over plastic ones, because they claim they are more effective in removing debris and bacteria from the tongue.
Even if you don't have a tongue cleaner, the toothbrush will do the job.
Apply a small amount of toothpaste on the brush, and brush the tongue lengthwise and widthwise.
How do you clean the tongue?
Place the scraper on the back of the tongue and pull it forward to the front of the tongue.
Move the scraper along the length and width of the tongue several times at different angles.
While scratching, apply a little pressure that will be enough to gently remove the mucus layer on the surface of the tongue without damaging the tongue itself.
Then, remove the residue from the tongue by rinsing the mouth with water.
Clean the tongue scraper after each use to keep it sanitized and clean.
How often should you clean your tongue?
Bacteria grows rapidly.
The best way to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth is to clean your tongue twice a day after brushing your teeth.
Removing the residue from the tongue before bed can, as mentioned, also help reduce bad breath in the morning when you wake up.
More on the same topic:
Teeth
caries