The latest clinical research has discovered that bacteria on the surface of the tongue is the major cause of bad breath. This is also the bacteria that can cause gum disease.

  • Ninety percent of bad breath is the result of sulfur gases produced as bacteria digest proteins in the mouth. This is the same bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease.
     
  • The majority of this bacteria, and the debris it feeds upon, was found to be located on the surface of the tongue.
     
  • The tongue's irregular surface has numerous crevices where bacteria can hide.
     
  • Removing bacteria and the proteins it feeds upon from the surface of the tongue has proven to significantly reduce bad breath. Decreasing the concentration of this bacteria in the mouth reduces the chances of gum disease.
     

 

    Dentists and hygienists recommend tongue brushing as an essential component of fresh breath maintenance, and as part of a complete program of optimal oral hygiene including-
     

    • Brushing thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. (Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every 3-4 months.)
       
    • Carefully cleaning between teeth with floss or other interdental cleaners to remove plaque.
       
    • Eating a balanced diet for good general health.
       
    • Scheduling regular dental checkups.

      Source: American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology
       

  Conventional Toothbrushes                          Tung•Brush®

Why conventional tongue cleaners don't work-

Toothbrushes

  • The long, soft bristles of a toothbrush over-flex, preventing the bristle tips from penetrating the crevices of the tongue and removing the maximum amount of bacteria and debris.
     
  • The narrow width of a toothbrush makes it difficult to quickly and effectively clean the broad surface of the tongue.
     
  • The narrow width and high profile of a toothbrush is likely to trigger a gag reflex when used to clean the back of the tongue.

Tongue Scrapers

  • A scraper is a hard-plastic ridged product that only removes a superficial layer of bacteria from the tongue. The stiffness of the scraper blade does not allow it to penetrate the sandpaper-like texture of the tongue where bacteria hide. Additionally, the tongue's natural reflex is to curl inward; when this happens, a scraper can only reach the sides of the tongue.
     
  • For most people, the thought of scraping the tongue is offensive and messy.

     

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