How I Transformed My Oral Hygiene with Tongue Brushing and a Water Flosser

For years my oral hygiene routine was limited to brushing and sometimes flossing. However, many times bad breath persisted and my perception of flavours was not the best. I wanted to find a solution to this and that’s when I discovered tongue brushing, something very simple that completely transformed my oral health and my general wellbeing.

The discovery of tongue brushing

One day when I was visiting my dentist I told him how I could get rid of my bad breath and he told me if I brushed my tongue. He explained that the tongue is a muscle that is covered by small taste buds and due to its anatomy it tends to accumulate food debris and bacteria. This accumulation can be the cause of problems such as bad breath, tooth decay and periodontal disease.

But what are the benefits?

Goodbye to bad breath

The most noticeable change was the elimination of bad breath. Before, despite brushing my teeth daily, I always had to resort to chewing gum or mints to keep my breath fresh. With tongue brushing, I noticed a long-lasting freshness in my mouth, without having to resort to temporary solutions. This is because many bacteria that produce sulphur compounds, which are responsible for bad odour, lodge on the tongue.

Improved taste perception

Another surprising benefit was the improvement in my sense of taste. By removing bacteria from the tongue, the taste buds are more exposed, allowing me to enjoy the flavours of food much more. Meals became more palatable.

Prevention of oral diseases

Tongue brushing also contributes to the prevention of caries and gum disease. It reduces the bacterial load in the mouth, thus reducing the risk of plaque formation and periodontal problems. In addition, a clean tongue prevents bacteria from being transferred to other parts of the mouth.

Improved aesthetics

Although it may look a little superficial, a clean tongue looks healthier. Before, I used to have a whitish coating that, while not painful, gave an unkempt appearance. Now, my tongue looks pink and healthy, which boosts my confidence when speaking or smiling.

How I incorporated tongue brushing into my routine

Adding tongue brushing to my oral routine was simple. After brushing my teeth, I spend a few seconds cleaning the surface of my tongue. I use a soft-bristled toothbrush and sometimes add mouthwash to enhance the cleaning. It is important to cover the entire surface, i.e. brush from the back to the front.

Discovering the dental irrigator: a perfect complement

In addition to tongue brushing, there is another tool that enhances oral hygiene: the dental irrigator. This device uses a jet of pressurised water to remove food debris and plaque from places that brushing and flossing can’t reach. It is especially useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas such as interdental spaces and periodontal pockets.

Benefits of using a water flosser

An oral irrigator provides deep cleaning, effectively removing food debris and plaque in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss. In addition, it gently massages the gums, improving their circulation and reducing inflammation and bleeding, which contributes to gingival health. By reducing bacterial plaque, it also helps prevent diseases such as tooth decay and periodontal disease. It provides a feeling of freshness and cleanliness, combating bad breath. Its versatility makes it ideal for people with orthodontics, implants, crowns or bridges, facilitating oral hygiene in any situation.

By incorporating the dental irrigator into my routine, I noticed a significant improvement in the health of my gums. Before, they used to bleed occasionally during brushing, but with regular use of the irrigator, this problem disappeared. In addition, the feeling of freshness and cleanliness is incomparable, especially after meals.

Recommended Water Flossers

In conclusion, incorporating tongue brushing and using a dental irrigator has transformed my oral hygiene and thus my quality of life. These simple habits not only improve mouth health, but also increase confidence and overall well-being. I encourage everyone to consider these practices in their daily routine to enjoy a cleaner, healthier mouth.