How to Avoid Gagging While Brushing Your Tongue

Most dentists agree that a routine of proper oral hygiene will include tongue brushing along with regular brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. Bacteria can form on the tongue, leading to halitosis. Many people, unfortunately, cannot brush their tongue without gagging. If you are one of those, take some steps to eliminate the gag reflex when you brush your tongue.

Instructions

1. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Harder bristles can be more abrasive on the tongue and trigger your gag reflex.

2. Stick your tongue out as far as you can when brushing it. Stretching the tongue out can help to eliminate gagging.

3. Brush only the front portion of your tongue. Go back as far as you can but not so far as to trigger your gag reflex.

4. Breathe in deeply and exhale through your mouth while brushing your tongue.

5. Place the toothbrush toward the side of the tongue rather than brushing directly on top of it. This can help to ensure that you won't push the toothbrush straight back too far, resulting in gagging.

6. Keep at it. In many cases, it simply takes time to overcome gagging while brushing your tongue.

7. Move the brush with soft, smooth strokes. Do not go too fast while brushing your tongue.

Tips & Warnings

• Try using a tongue scraper, a specially-designed tongue brush or even dental floss rather than a regular toothbrush to help control gagging.

• Find out where your gag reflex is and brush your tongue to the point just before that spot. Then try brushing a little farther back each day until you have controlled the reflex.

• Avoid watching yourself in the mirror while you brush your tongue. Stare at a fixed spot on the wall and don't think about brushing your tongue.

• Don't hold your breath while brushing your tongue. This can actually increase your chances of gagging.