Dental Medicine Specialist – An unclean tongue causes food particles and bacteria to accumulate, which in turn causes an unpleasant odor. The tongue plays an important role in overall oral health. However, many people overlook the importance of cleaning it regularly.

Dr Vartika Kumari, Dental Medicine Specialist at Aster RV Hospital, explains what happens if you skip this simple step for just a month. “There are likely to be some minor changes in the short term for up to a month without tongue cleaning,” she says. “The main change people notice is bad breath.

” This happens because unclean tongues collect food particles and bacteria, forming a biofilm that causes unpleasant odors. Research shows that 70-80% of bad breath originates from this tongue biofilm.

Dr. Kumari describes the physical changes you may notice: “The tongue may appear white or yellow as a result of buildup over time, especially on the back third of the tongue. ” This coating can make your mouth sticky despite brushing.

Some people may experience a dulled sense of taste because “when the taste buds become covered with residue, the flavor may seem slightly dull or not as intense. ” Additionally, bacteria growing on the tongue can increase plaque formation, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.