Just about everyone understands the importance of brushing their teeth on a daily basis. Most understand the importance of brushing their gums, but all too many neglect to brush their tongue during their oral care routine.
It can be easy to forget about the tongue when brushing. But, it is important to make it a habit during your oral care routine.
The tongue is vulnerable to bacteria that can cause oral health concerns in the same manner as teeth. This is why it is important to brush your tongue as well as the rest of the mouth.
The following are the reasons to brush your tongue, the risk of not doing so and how to properly brush your tongue to ensure good overall oral health.
The tongue can become covered with bacteria when it is not properly cleaned. Unfortunately, many neglect to brush their tongue, focusing only on their teeth and perhaps their gums.
However, there are many benefits to brushing the tongue as well, such as the following:
The most noticeable benefit initially when brushing your teeth is that it can help freshen breath. A failure to brush the tongue can cause a displeasing odor to form inside the mouth. This can be incredibly unappealing to others during social situations.
Brushing the tongue also helps ensure teeth are not exposed to excess amounts of bacteria. The risk of infection is greatly reduced when the tongue is free from harmful bacteria that may otherwise accumulate.
The answer to why it is important to brush the tongue can be answered in a single word: Bacteria. Bacteria is the main reason for most oral health concerns. When bacteria combines with acid found in various food and drink types, it can eat away at enamel and cause cavities. An accumulation of bacteria along the gum line is one of the main reasons people develop periodontitis. It is also responsible for oral infections.
Bacteria can form on the tongue just as it can accumulate on the surface of teeth and on the gums. When the tongue is filled with bacteria, it can put individuals at greater risk of an oral infection, cavities and bad breath.
Fortunately, it is easy to keep your tongue clean when consistent, proper care is administered. However, simply using mouthwash each day is not enough to keep the tongue clean.
Instead, it is important to brush the tongue each time the teeth are brushed, which should be a minimum of twice a day, in addition to a mouthwash routine to help kill any remaining bacteria.
In some instances, a tooth scraper may be necessary in order to keep a tongue clean. Be sure to discuss all options for keeping the tongue clean with your dentist, or give us a call today to learn more.
Request an appointment here: https://www.newyorkdentaloffice.com or call New York Dental Office at (212) 548-3261 for an appointment in our New York office.
Brushing of the teeth should be done multiple times daily in order to properly maintain good oral hygiene. Each person has a different way that they may brush their teeth, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that their way is the right way. It’s important to brush efficiently and frequently so that teeth remain clean and…
While both children and adults need to practice good oral hygiene, there are a few additional considerations adults need to keep in mind when it comes to on their oral health. It is essential for persons of every age to gently brush their teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day, and to…
Vaping has become a very popular trend in American culture, and it is presented by many as being a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes. Regardless of whether or not vaping is a better option for overall health, vaping still affects oral hygiene in a negative manner, and it is important for individuals who vape to…
There are varying types of floss and tips for flossing, and there is no standard way that is best for everyone. In fact, there is no rule that states you cannot have more than one type of dental floss product in your home.Each serves its own purpose. For example, dental tape is a great tool…
Traditional dentures, or false teeth, are an effective way to replace missing teeth. While getting dentures is an exciting step, it is normal to be intimidated by the adjustment period. This article will dive into what patients can expect when getting dentures for the first time.It may take up to one month to fully adjust…
Regular check-up visits are ideal for denture wearers to protect their smile and help ensure a comfortable fit for their dentures at all times. In this review, we discuss why it is imperative for patients with dentures to visit their dentist regularly.There are many things that a patient can do at home to protect their…
