How Often Should I Brush My Tongue?
July 27, 2021 4:05 pm
Bacteria in your mouth grows between your teeth, along your gums, under your gums, and on your tongue. If you’ve ever had a white or yellow film on your tongue, that was likely a layer of bacteria. It gets caught between the crevices and bumps that cover the surface of your tongue.
The buildup of bacteria and food debris on your tongue can cause bad breath and even increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease!
How to Clean Your Tongue
Include cleaning your tongue in your daily oral hygiene routine. Mouthwash can be useful to enhance your breath, but it doesn’t adequately remove bacteria from your teeth and tongue. You need to apply gentle physical force with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day to break through the film that bacteria creates when they cluster together. The act of brushing dislodges bacteria from your teeth, gums, and tongue. Then you can follow up with a rinse of water and/or mouthwash.
Tongue-brushing technique is simple! Morning and night, brush your tongue side to side and up and down with a little toothpaste. You want to make sure to thoroughly scrape the back of your tongue. Keep your strokes gentle so you don’t break or puncture the skin on your tongue. Then rinse and spit!
Drink plenty of water throughout the day so your mouth can produce a healthy amount of saliva. Saliva will rinse bacteria from your teeth, gums, and tongue and help prevent bad breath and dental disease.
Comprehensive Family Dental Care in Wilmington, NC
Brushing your teeth and tongue, flossing, consuming a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist twice a year for routine cleanings and examinations will promote great oral health and contribute to a healthy body. At Gregory B. Garrett, DDS, we provide comprehensive services for the whole family and accept a variety of payment options.
Are you due for a professional dental cleaning? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
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