Tongue cleaner
Tongue cleaner is a oral hygiene tool designed to clean the tongue. It is used to remove bacteria, food debris, fungi, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue. The use of a tongue cleaner can help reduce bad breath (halitosis) and improve overall oral health.
History[edit | edit source]
The practice of tongue cleaning dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its use in various cultures including Ancient India, where it was recommended as part of Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine. The tools used for tongue cleaning have evolved over time from crude implements to the modern, ergonomically designed tongue cleaners available today.
Types[edit | edit source]
There are several types of tongue cleaners, including:
- Tongue brushes, which resemble toothbrushes but are designed specifically for the tongue.
- Tongue scrapers, which are usually made of plastic or metal and are designed to scrape the surface of the tongue.
- Tongue cleaning gels, which can be used in conjunction with tongue brushes or scrapers to help remove bacteria and freshen breath.
Benefits[edit | edit source]
The primary benefits of using a tongue cleaner include:
- Reduction in halitosis, as cleaning the tongue can remove the bacteria and compounds that cause bad breath.
- Improved sense of taste, as removing the coating on the tongue can expose the taste buds.
- Improved oral health, as removing bacteria from the tongue can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Usage[edit | edit source]
Proper use of a tongue cleaner involves:
- Standing in front of a mirror to see the tongue.
- Extending the tongue as far as possible.
- Placing the tongue cleaner at the back of the tongue and gently pulling it forward, scraping off the accumulated coating.
- Rinsing the tongue cleaner after each pass.
- Repeating the process until the entire surface of the tongue has been cleaned.
It is recommended to use a tongue cleaner at least once a day, preferably as part of a morning or evening oral hygiene routine.
Precautions[edit | edit source]
While tongue cleaning is generally safe, it is important to use gentle pressure to avoid damaging the tongue. People with medical conditions affecting the tongue or mouth should consult a healthcare professional before starting tongue cleaning.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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