Have you found yourself battling out the age-old debate with friends? To brush – or not to brush – your tongue? The answer is: Brush it. However, just because we give you the affirmative on this one does not mean you know what to do or even how to best approach this portion of your dental hygiene routine. As you can imagine, it’s a simple, straightforward process. Allow us to offer some advice, so you can make the most of your hygiene efforts.

Brush Daily

Yes, you should brush your tongue daily, preferably each time you brush (which should add up to at least two times every day). All you need to do is brush your tongue during the same dental hygiene session that includes brushing your smile. Don’t use vigorous strokes or worry too much about your technique. Simply use your brush to sweep from the back to front and you will successfully dislodge bacteria and food particles that can contribute to unhealthy conditions.

Or, You May Scrape

Are you someone who cannot stand the feeling of toothbrush bristles against your tongue? Do you dislike the way your tongue feels after you brush it? Never fear, you have a wonderful dental hygiene alternative known as a tongue scraper. Don’t worry, unlike its name it is very gentle. Available at most drugstores, this is a piece of plastic crafted for you to run it along the surface of your tongue. It will delicately yet effectively “scrape” the bad stuff away, promoting good results like fresh breath.