How to Clean the Inside of the Mouth and Get Rid of a White Tongue

Make sure to brush the roof of your mouth and tongue too.

Bad breath and a dirty mouth can be unattractive to yourself and other people. Sometimes bacteria can build up on your tongue as well, leaving it with a white film and further contributing to bad breath. Learning how to clean the inside of your mouth can help you freshen your breath and prevent the return of a white tongue in the future.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda and peroxide toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Disposable tongue scrapers
• 1/4 cup Listerine mouth rinse

Instructions

1. Brush your teeth with a teaspoon of baking soda and peroxide-based toothpaste. Brush for two and a half minutes, and make sure that you brush the back teeth, front teeth and gums on all sides. Then apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the brush, and brush the roof of your mouth and tongue for one minute.

2. Rinse your toothbrush and mouth with water. Apply the blade of a tongue scraper atop the middle of your tongue at the back end of your tongue. With gentle pressure, pull the scraper forward, and then repeat on the top sides of your tongue.

3. Rinse your mouth with 1/4 cup of Listerine mouth rinse. Swish the fluid around in your mouth for one full minute, and then spit. Repeat these steps three times a day using a fresh tongue scraper each time. This process will keep your breath fresh and also prevent white tongue from returning.

Tips & Warnings

• If your white tongue does not go away after two or three days, see your doctor, as it could be the sign of a serious underlying health problem.

• White tongue can also mean that you are not getting enough water, so increase your water intake to see if that helps.

• If you notice white tongue after taking certain medications, these are most likely the cause. Plan to brush your teeth and tongue after taking the medication.

References

• Cures for Bad Breath: What Causes White Tongue?