We all know the importance of caring for your teeth daily, but many people ignore their tongues in their oral hygiene routine. Food particles and bacteria build up on your tongue, so making sure you cleanse it is essential for ridding your mouth of unwanted residue.
Not properly cleaning your tongue can lead to conditions such as halitosis or hairy tongue. Avoid these issues by brushing your tongue twice a day, just as you would your teeth.
How to Clean Your Tongue
Cleaning your tongue is simple- all you need to do is place a dab of toothpaste on your toothbrush and gently brush the surface of your tongue. Certain toothbrushes even come with a built-in tongue cleaner For a thorough oral cleansing, be sure to pay attention to the roof of your mouth and cheeks, as well.
Though your toothbrush is sufficient enough in removing bacteria from your tongue, you can purchase additional tools such as a tongue scraper to make sure your tongue is extra fresh. To use a tongue cleaner, place the scraper at the back of your tongue, and apply gentle pressure as you glide it towards the front. After one pass across your entire tongue, rinse off the tool before repeating the process if necessary.
Making Sure Your Tongue is Healthy
The state of your tongue is often indicative of your general oral health. Issues such as discoloration, unusual bumps, and extreme halitosis may be signs of a more significant issue at play. During your regular cleanings and dental visits, your dentist will be able to assess your tongue and detect issues that warrant attention.
Dentistry at East Piedmont performs an extensive oral health check on all our patients, ensuring that their tongue and entire mouth is in good health. Contact us today to set up an appointment!
