Tongue cleaner

Tongue Cleaner

A tongue cleaner (pronounced: /ˈtʌŋ ˈkliːnər/) is a oral hygiene device designed to clean the bacterial build-up, food debris, fungi, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue.

Etymology

The term "tongue cleaner" is derived from the English words "tongue", which is the fleshy muscular organ in the mouth, and "cleaner", referring to a device or substance that is used to clean something.

Usage

Tongue cleaners are used by placing the device at the back of the tongue and pulling it forward. This action removes unwanted build-up from the surface of the tongue. Regular use of a tongue cleaner can help to reduce bad breath and improve overall oral health.

Types

There are several types of tongue cleaners available, including:

Tongue scraper: A device with a thin, flat surface that is used to scrape unwanted build-up off the tongue.
Tongue brush: A device similar to a toothbrush, but designed specifically for cleaning the tongue.
Tongue gel: A substance applied to the tongue and then scraped off, taking unwanted build-up with it.

Related Terms

Oral hygiene: The practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean to prevent dental problems.
Halitosis: The technical term for bad breath, which can often be improved with regular use of a tongue cleaner.
Dental plaque: A biofilm or mass of bacteria that grows on surfaces within the mouth.