How to clean your tongue.

Cleaning the tongue is a calm movement that takes a few seconds. Done right, it is not difficult; feeling a little odd in the first days is normal.

Four steps

1. Before brushing.
2. From the middle of the tongue forward, two or three gentle strokes. No pressure.
3. Rinse with lukewarm water, then brush your teeth as usual.
4. Dry it and return it to its cup.

How much pressure?

None at all. It is enough for the head to touch the surface of the tongue. If you feel stinging, soreness or redness, make the stroke lighter and try again the next day.

The gag reflex

For some people the back of the tongue is sensitive. Keep the head on the front third of the tongue and move further back over time. Breathing slowly through the nose helps most people. Don't force it; try again the next morning.

How often?

Most people use it in the morning, as the day begins; you can use it in the evening too. What matters is being regular and gentle.

Research suggests that cleaning the tongue can reduce bad breath for a short time.¹ ² This does not mean tongue cleaning replaces a toothbrush and floss.

Care and replacement

• Rinse with lukewarm water after each use; wash with soap when needed.
• Dry it and return it to its own cup.
• A tongue cleaner is personal; please don't share it.
• Replace it if you see wear, scratches or a change in colour on the surface.

Your first week together →

1. Outhouse TL, Al-Alawi R, Fedorowicz Z, Keenan JV. Tongue scraping for treating halitosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006; CD005519.
2. Van der Sleen MI, Slot DE, Van Trijffel E, Winkel EG, Van der Weijden GA. Effectiveness of mechanical tongue cleaning on breath odour and tongue coating: a systematic review. International Journal of Dental Hygiene 2010; 8(4): 258–268.

For information only. If you have a concern, please speak to your dentist or doctor.