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Comment by khazhoux | Hacker News Reader

On top of flossing every day, I would ever-so-strongly recommend also lightly brushing the back of your tongue (no toothpaste needed for this) every time you brush your teeth.

That white stuff on your tongue --which comes off easily-- is bacteria and if you see it in the mirror then anyone up close can smell it. A non-stinky tongue is pink.

Don't force your friends or significant other to tell you your breath stinks.

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I recommend using a tongue scraper. For people who like me find the feeling of a toothbrush on my tongue uncomfortable.

Some toothbrushes (Colgate 360 for example) come with built in tongue scrubbers.

I prefer the softer brushes made in Switzerland. Too many toothbrushes make it too easy to wear down your enamel and gums.

Many people aren't aware how soft your tooth enamel is; brushing too hard with too stiff a brush can wear it down over time. Use soft bristles, light pressure and your teeth will be much happier.

What about "whitening" toothpaste? I would've thought avoiding that abrasive silica additive was the biggest single factor in avoiding enamel wear. (When I shop for toothpaste, almost every type on the shelf has whitening, so you get it by default.)

Yes this is to be avoided. Whitening at all is harmful, and the book I referenced elsewhere recommends using only "Cavity Preventiion" toothpaste where the only active ingredient is flouride. Also like others mentioned, pH is key - neutralizing it before brushing with an alkalizing mouthwash will help protect your enamel.

Yes, it makes no sense to save little money on your toothbrush, something that you (should) use so ofzen, as the slightly more expensive ones are really worth it!

I always find the lack of a tongue scraper in people's dental routine interesting. Growing up in India, I was taught how to use one at the same time I was taught how to brush my own teeth.

Don't use a toothbrush for this, that's extremely uncomfortable. Use a dedicated tongue scraper or even a spoon in a pinch.

Here is my mouth regimen:

First, always use hot water.

Floss.

Pre-brush without paste,just hot water.

Rinse.

Brush with toothpaste.

Rinse.

Personally - I brush all the way to the back of my tongue to the point that I gag every time.

The recommended approach is to not rinse after brushing as it washes fluoride in toothpaste off teeth.

Also watch out for tonsil stones.

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