How to clean苔藓-like coating on the tongue

Generally, methods to remove tongue coating include using a toothbrush for cleaning, using a tongue scraper, using mouthwash, rinsing with salt water, and drinking yogurt. Details are as follows:

1. Using a toothbrush for cleaning: After brushing your teeth, gently brush the surface of your tongue with the toothbrush. Start from the back of the tongue and brush forward. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid triggering the gag reflex. You can slightly protrude your tongue out of your mouth to make the process easier. Each brushing session should last about 30 seconds, effectively removing some of the coating and food debris on the tongue's surface.

2. Using a tongue scraper: Place the tongue scraper at the back of the tongue and gently scrape forward. A tongue scraper effectively removes thick coating and odor from the tongue's surface. It is recommended to use the scraper 1-2 times daily, preferably after waking up in the morning and before going to bed at night for better results.

3. Using mouthwash: Choose a mouthwash with antibacterial and cleaning properties. Hold an appropriate amount of mouthwash in your mouth, allowing it to fully contact the tongue. Then puff out your cheeks and lips to circulate the mouthwash around the mouth and tongue surface for 30-60 seconds. Finally, spit out the mouthwash. Mouthwash helps break down bacteria and coating on the tongue's surface.

4. Rinsing with salt water: Prepare a homemade saline solution to clean the tongue. Hold the salt water in your mouth, focusing on contacting the tongue, and rinse for 1-2 minutes. Salt water has antibacterial properties, reducing bacterial growth on the tongue's surface and helping remove coating. However, individuals with oral mucosal injuries should use salt water cautiously, as it may cause discomfort or pain.

5. Drinking yogurt: Yogurt contains abundant lactic acid bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria are beneficial microorganisms that help regulate the balance of oral flora. After consumption, the lactic acid bacteria in yogurt can remain on the oral and tongue surfaces for a period, competing with harmful bacteria for space and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria that cause coating formation.

Each person's oral condition varies; therefore, it is recommended to choose suitable methods according to individual circumstances. If you have any health concerns or symptoms persist, seek timely medical advice from a doctor.