Your poor tongue is often overlooked and we want to change that! In addition to playing a major role in speech and eating, your tongue has a huge impact on your oral health. For example, have you ever noticed that even if you brush and floss your teeth, you might still have bad breath? It may not be your technique – you’re probably just forgetting to brush your tongue!
Our team at North Tonawanda Family Dentistry wants to share why brushing your tongue is important, as well as give you some tips for doing so.
Why Is My Tongue Important?
Your tongue is involved in just about every move your mouth makes. From tasting food to chewing and swallowing to talking and whistling, your tongue is in almost constant use. The tongue is composed of a group of muscles that work in tandem to help you complete the functions listed above.
Why Should I Brush My Tongue?
Just as you regularly clean your teeth (brushing twice daily for two minutes each time and flossing once daily, we hope), you need to clean your tongue. Bacteria can build up on the surface of your tongue, collecting in the grooves between bumps called papillae. The bacteria trapped on your tongue can cause bad breath and discoloration, and can even transfer to the surface of your teeth.
How Do I Brush my Tongue?
You should brush your tongue by using a moistened toothbrush and gently scrubbing from back to front. We recommend doing so after cleaning your teeth and spitting out excess toothpaste. If you need a little extra cleaning, consider using a tongue scraper. You can buy one at most drug stores and use it to gently scrap the surface of your tongue, cleaning it of bacteria.
Add Tongue Brushing to Your Oral Care Routine!
To help keep your mouth clean and your breath fresh, add brushing your tongue to your daily oral care routine. If you have additional oral care questions or want to schedule your next visit, contact us!