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Is a Tongue Brush Really Necessary? The Complete Guide to Tongue Care for Bad Breath

Is a Tongue Brush Really Necessary? The Complete Guide to Tongue Care for Bad Breath

The main culprit of bad breath is not “teeth” but “tongue. Even if you brush your teeth, bacteria will multiply if tongue grime is left unattended. However, brushing with a toothbrush is counterproductive because it damages the tongue. If this is the case, you can simply use a special “tongue brush. In this article, we will explain its advantages and how to use it properly.

Is a tongue brush really necessary?

The reason given by many people who say that a tongue brush is unnecessary is that it may damage the tongue. However, the tongue brush was originally developed to remove tongue coating without damaging the tongue. Tongue debris is the accumulation of oral bacteria, food debris, and detached epithelial cells on the surface of the tongue, and approximately 60% of bad breath is attributed to tongue debris (Reference: Japanese Dentist ). Neglecting to clean the tongue while brushing the teeth is insufficient from the standpoint of oral care and etiquette. However, scrubbing the tongue with a toothbrush should be avoided. Toothbrushes are designed to brush hard tooth surfaces and are unsuitable for brushing the soft tongue, risking damage to the surface. In addition, although mouthwash shows some effectiveness against oral bacteria, it is difficult to physically remove the tongue coating itself, which is stuck to the surface of the tongue.

How to use a tongue brush and how often?Don't overdo it; keep in mind,

Saliva has the ability to cleanse itself of oral dirt and inhibit the growth of bacteria. However, saliva secretion is significantly reduced during sleep, so the mouth is most likely to harbor bacteria immediately after waking up. If you rehydrate or have breakfast, you may take the increased bacteria into your body, so it is ideal to brush your tongue immediately after waking up and before brushing your teeth. Damage to the tongue can cause taste disorder and bad breath. Therefore, when using a tongue brush, please be absolutely sure to follow the ” once a day, gently.

STEP1 Moisten the tongue with water or tongue gel
STEP2 Lightly wet the tongue brush and move it gently in one direction from the back of the tongue to the front
STEP3 Gargle to flush dirt from the mouth

Below are some recommendations for tongue brushes.

Recommended Tongue Brush 1SWAG Tongue Brush

SWAG’s tongue brush is made of silicone and adheres closely to the uneven surface of the tongue, allowing you to gently scrape out the tongue coating. It can be sterilized by boiling, making it hygienic. The matte black body is beautiful even when placed on a washstand, creating a smart look for daily care. SWAG is an oral care brand with the concept of “So What, All Good. Goodbye, BAD BREATH. The brand is also environmentally friendly, using sustainable materials.
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Find SWAG Tongue Brush

Recommended Tongue Brush 2NONIO Tongue Brush

NONIO, known for its halitosis care products, also has a lineup of tongue brushes. The brush has a double structure of rubber and bristles, and each material adheres to the surface of the tongue to efficiently remove stains. When used in combination with the special cleaning gel, it provides a refreshing feeling and a cleaner finish.

Find the NONIO Tongue Brush

Recommended Tongue Brush 3Davids Tongue Scraper

Davids is an oral care brand from the United States known for toothpaste and other products using natural ingredients.
In Europe and the United States, the brand and other metal tongue cleaners are the mainstream. Metal tongue cleaners are easy to clean and suitable for people who value hygiene, but they are harder than brushes or silicone tongue cleaners, so care should be taken not to use too much force when using them.

Find a Davids Tongue Scraper

Recommended Tongue Brush 4PHILIPS Tongue Brush Head

PHILIPS electric toothbrush users will appreciate the compatible “Tongue Brush Head” with over 200 microscopic bumps that gently fit the grooves of the tongue. The brush’s 31,000 vibrations per minute effectively remove stains that cause bad breath.

Find a Philips Tongue Brush

Editor Nishijima
Although we mentioned Philips here, Panasonic electric toothbrushes also have compatible tongue heads. Check to see if there is a compatible type for the model you are using!
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