Brush your tongue daily to remove odor-causing bacteria

Gently brush or scrape your tongue each time you brush your teeth to remove the bacterial coating that causes most bad breath. The back two-thirds of the tongue harbors the majority of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) responsible for halitosis.

Why It Works

The tongue's rough, papillated surface traps dead cells, food debris, and anaerobic bacteria that produce hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan -- the primary gases behind bad breath. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends tongue cleaning as part of a daily oral hygiene routine. Studies show tongue cleaning can reduce VSC levels by 30-75% depending on technique and consistency.

Tips

• A dedicated tongue scraper is more effective than a toothbrush for most people
• Reach as far back as comfortable -- the posterior tongue harbors the most bacteria
• Clean your tongue at least once daily, ideally in the morning when bacterial buildup peaks
• Replace tongue scrapers every 3-6 months, just like toothbrushes
• If you gag easily, try exhaling through your mouth while scraping