Do you want to disinfect your tongue and get rid of bad breath once and for all? In that case, you should pay a little more attention to your oral hygiene and, in addition, take advantage of some natural remedies.
Bad breath is an annoying symptom that can indicate several things, from an infection in the oral cavity (in the teeth or gums) to a disease such as diabetes. However, it is most commonly caused by poor hygiene.
Some people don’t brush their teeth after eating and therefore tend to have bad breath. On the other hand, even if they go to the bathroom to brush, they may not do it correctly. In other cases, they may not use dental floss, mouthwash, or other proper oral hygiene practices.
“Disinfecting” the tongue of accumulated dirt and bacteria can be very helpful in many cases. Now, how can you do that at home naturally? We’ll tell you below.
What is the proper way to disinfect the tongue?
To start having a cleaner mouth and tongue, free of bacteria, you will need a toothbrush, toothpaste, a tongue scraper, and mouthwash.
Put a little toothpaste on your toothbrush and start brushing your tongue from front to back. Rinse with warm water.
Take the tongue scraper and rub it to remove any remaining white residue. The correct way to do this is by holding the scraper horizontally between your lips, applying light pressure to your tongue while scraping from front to back.
Finally, rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash for one or two minutes. This will eliminate any remaining microscopic germs.
Home remedies to clean and disinfect your tongue
Below, we share some home remedies that, according to popular wisdom, could help you disinfect your tongue on a case-by-case basis.
1. Baking soda rinse
Sodium bicarbonate rinse is intended to be used only occasionally and in small quantities, as it is a very abrasive substance that can erode tooth enamel and burn the oral cavity.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250 ml).
- 3 drops of peppermint essential oil.
- A pinch of baking soda.
Preparation
- Brush your teeth as usual. Then, floss.
- Put all the ingredients into a glass jar and shake to mix well.
- Rinse your mouth several times.
2. Apple cider vinegar rinse
Another common option for making a homemade mouthwash is to take a little apple cider vinegar and mix it with water. Although vinegar isn’t as abrasive as baking soda, it’s recommended to use it only occasionally to avoid damaging tooth enamel.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250 ml).
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (30 ml).
Preparation
- Combine the two ingredients in a bottle and use the liquid as a rinse after your regular brushing.
3. Hydrogen peroxide rinse
Ingredients
- 3 parts water.
- 1 part hydrogen peroxide (2% – 5%).
Preparation - Mix the two ingredients and use them as the last step in your oral hygiene routine.
- Note: There are some discrepancies regarding the use of hydrogen peroxide as an ingredient in homemade mouthwash.
4. Mint rinse
Ingredients
- 5 mint leaves.
- ½ cup of water (125 ml).
Preparation
- Prepare an infusion with mint leaves and half a cup of water.
- Let it sit and rinse with the resulting liquid after brushing your teeth.
Disinfect your tongue and take care of your oral health
Bacterial growth on the tongue can lead to chronic bad breath and other oral conditions that can diminish quality of life or cause social problems. For this reason, it is very important to maintain proper tongue hygiene regularly.
Keep in mind that, although these remedies are popularly recommended, if you have bad breath and other discomfort in your mouth (or specifically in your tongue), it is best to see a dentist for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
While some may be helpful, they are not a substitute for professional medical care. It is always important to consult a doctor before using any home remedy for an illness or ailment.