The Importance of Brushing Your Tongue: Improve Your Oral Health and Combat Bad Breath
Brushing and flossing are essential steps in our dental hygiene routine, but many people forget a crucial area: the tongue. Cleaning your tongue not only helps combat bad breath but is also fundamental for maintaining good oral health.
The Tongue: A Refuge for Bacteria
Your tongue is a place where bacteria can accumulate, just like on your teeth. According to Dr John D. Kling, DDS, from Alexandria, Virginia, “bacteria accumulate significantly in the areas of the tongue between the taste buds and other tongue structures.” The surface of the tongue is not smooth; it has crevices and elevations where bacteria can hide unless properly removed.
Why Rinsing Alone Isn’t Enough
The accumulation of bacteria on the tongue isn’t just harmless saliva. It consists of a biofilm, a group of microorganisms that stick to the surface of the tongue. Unfortunately, rinsing your mouth or drinking water is not sufficient to eliminate this biofilm. According to Dr Kling, “mouth rinses only destroy the outer cells of the biofilm, while the cells beneath the surface continue to thrive.”
Consequences of Failing to Clean Your Tongue
Neglecting to clean your tongue can lead to several problems, including: Bad breath (halitosis): The accumulation of bacteria on the tongue is one of the primary causes of bad breath and Dental damage: Bacteria can migrate to the teeth, contributing to cavities and other oral issues.
How to Effectively Clean Your Tongue
Incorporating tongue cleaning into your daily routine is easy and quick. Here are some recommended steps:
Brushing: Brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. You can do this in the following ways:
– Back to front: Gently slide the toothbrush from the back of the tongue to the front.
– Side to side: Brush sideways to ensure you cover the entire surface.
– Rinse: After brushing, rinse your mouth well with water.
Using a Tongue Scraper: Many people prefer to use a tongue scraper, which you can find at most pharmacies. Although the American Dental Association has not found evidence supporting its effectiveness in preventing bad breath, they can be useful for more efficiently removing the biofilm.
Tongue Scraper: Eliminate All Bacteria
The Oralbrush tongue scraper has received the highest ratings from customers on Amazon. Its soft bristles are perfect for reaching the crevices of the tongue and effectively removing bacteria without causing discomfort when eliminating the white coating.
Using it is very simple: before brushing your teeth, gently run the scraper across your tongue, avoiding too much pressure to clean its surface. Afterwards, rinse your mouth and continue with your regular dental hygiene routine.
Orabrush Tongue Cleaner
Dual-action tongue cleaner featuring ultra-soft, micro-pointed bristles promote good breath.
Micro-bristles reach deep into the uneven crevices of your tongue to loosen and lift away bad breath
Persistent Bad Breath?
While cleaning your tongue generally helps eliminate bad breath, if it persists, it is advisable to consult a dentist or doctor. Bad breath may be a symptom of more serious problems, such as tooth decay, infections in the mouth, or even conditions like diabetes or cancer.
Conclusion: Make Tongue Cleaning a Daily Habit
Incorporating tongue brushing into your oral hygiene routine is an easy way to improve your dental health. In addition to combating bad breath, good tongue hygiene can prevent more serious issues and contribute to a healthier mouth. Make it a daily habit, and you will notice a difference in your overall well-being. Your tongue deserves attention too!
