The Importance of Brushing Your Tongue

When it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing your teeth often take center stage. However, one critical area is frequently overlooked: your tongue!

Brushing your tongue might seem like an extra step, but it’s an essential part of a thorough oral care routine. The tongue is home to countless bacteria that can affect your breath, oral health, and even your overall well-being.

In this blog post, the Brandon Smiles Dentistry team will explore why brushing your tongue matters, the benefits it provides, and how to do it properly.

Do You Need to Brush Your Tongue?

The short answer is yes. Your tongue’s surface is covered in tiny bumps called papillae, which can trap food particles, bacteria, and dead cells. Over time, these build up, contributing to bad breath, plaque formation, and other oral health problems. Simply brushing your teeth and flossing is not enough to remove these particles from your tongue. By incorporating tongue brushing into your routine, you can significantly improve your oral hygiene and freshen your breath.

Prevent Bad Breath

One of the most common reasons people brush their tongue is to combat bad breath, or halitosis. Bacteria and food debris on the tongue can produce sulfur compounds, which are responsible for unpleasant odors. No matter how thoroughly you brush your teeth, failing to clean your tongue allows these odor-causing compounds to linger. Brushing or scraping your tongue removes the bacteria and debris that contribute to bad breath, leaving your mouth fresher for longer.

Decreased Risk of Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

Poor oral hygiene, including neglecting to clean your tongue, can lead to plaque buildup, which increases your risk of developing periodontal disease. The bacteria on your tongue can spread to your gums, causing inflammation and potentially leading to gum disease over time. Gum disease is a serious condition that can result in gum recession, tooth loss, and even systemic health issues like heart disease if left untreated. Brushing your tongue is a simple yet effective way to reduce your risk of these complications.

Boost your immune system

Did you know that a clean tongue can contribute to a healthier immune system?

When harmful tongue bacteria accumulate on your tongue, your immune system must work harder to fight off potential infections. By removing this bacteria daily, you reduce the strain on your immune system, allowing it to focus on protecting your body from other threats. A clean tongue doesn’t just benefit your mouth; it supports your overall health, too.

How Do You Clean a Tongue?

Cleaning your tongue is simple, but it requires the right technique to be effective. After brushing your teeth, follow these steps to ensure your tongue gets the care it needs:

1. Brush Gently: Use your toothbrush to gently scrub your tongue from back to front. Make sure to cover the entire surface, including the sides. Use light pressure to avoid discomfort or gagging. Light circular brushing motions are best.
2. Use Toothpaste: Applying a small amount of toothpaste to your toothbrush while cleaning your tongue can help remove bacteria more effectively and leave your mouth feeling fresh.
3. Rinse Thoroughly: After brushing your tongue, rinse your mouth with water to remove any loosened debris and bacteria. Also, consider using mouthwash. More on that below!

Mouthwash

While brushing your tongue is essential, using a mouthwash can provide additional benefits.

Antibacterial mouthwashes help kill bacteria on your tongue and other parts of your mouth, reducing the risk of bad breath and gum disease. For the best results, choose a mouthwash with ingredients like fluoride or chlorhexidine, as these are known to combat bacteria and support oral health.

Mouthwash is a great addition to your routine, but it shouldn’t replace brushing your tongue!

Tongue Cleaners (a.k.a. “Tongue Scrapers”)

Tongue cleaners, or tongue scrapers, are specifically designed to remove bacteria and debris from your tongue. Made of metal or plastic, these tools are easy to use and often more effective than a toothbrush for cleaning the tongue’s surface. To use a tongue scraper, simply place it at the back of your tongue and gently pull it forward, rinsing the scraper after each pass. Repeat this process until your tongue feels clean.

Tongue scrapers are particularly helpful for individuals who have a thick coating on their tongue or struggle with persistent bad breath. If you haven’t tried one before, it’s worth considering as an addition to your oral hygiene routine.

Dental Hygiene at Brandon Smiles Dentistry

At Brandon Smiles Dentistry, we strongly promote the idea that oral health is about more than just your teeth, it’s about your entire mouth. Brushing your tongue is a small but powerful step you can take to enhance your oral hygiene and protect your overall health.

Our team is here to help you maintain a clean, healthy smile. Whether you need advice on improving your oral care routine, a professional cleaning to tackle stubborn plaque and tartar, or treatment for an existing dental issue, we’re here for you.

Ready to take your oral hygiene to the next level? Book an appointment with Brandon Smiles Dentistry today and let us help you achieve a fresher, healthier smile!