A tongue cleaner or tongue cleaner (also called a tongue scraper or tongue brush) is an oral hygiene device designed to clean the buildup of bacteria, food debris, fungi, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue. Bacteria and fungi growing on the tongue are related to the common care and general health problems. In addition, decaying bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds in the back of the tongue which cause bad breath (halitosis) by 80 to 95 percent of the time.

Tongue Cleaner vs. Toothbrush

The upper surface of the tongue can be cleaned with a tongue cleaner or tongue scraper. Traditional tooth brushes are not considered effective for this purpose because they are designed for brushing teeth, having a solid unlike the spongy tissue of the language structure. Some toothbrushes of intangible teeth on the rear tongue scraper so that combined both instruments in a single brush.

The tongue cleaners are ergonomically shaped according to the anatomy of the tongue and are optimized to lift and trap the plaque from the tongue and effectively clean the surface. There are many different types of tongue cleaners, among them are those that are made of plastic, metal or other materials. Its efficacy widely varies depending on the shape, dimensions, configuration, the quality of the contact surfaces and materials used. In addition, there are also cleaning gels language to be used together with tongue cleaners because as anti-bacterial agents that are, may enhance the effects of cleaning.

Side effects of tongue cleaners

There are cases in which the tongue cleaning can cause vomiting or gag reflex when touched some sensitive areas. This can be easily avoided by relaxing the tongue and throat muscles and / or exhaled during use of the cleaner.

Misuse and / or afresivo a tongue cleaner can damage the taste buds of the tongue surface. There are opinions that say that the taste buds can actually regenerate shortly after being damaged but it is better not to misuse this type of cleaning. Careful use of a tongue cleaner can avoid such circumstances.