Dentist in Waterbury Recommends You Brush Your Tongue

To protect your dental health from complications, like tooth decay and gum disease, the American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each session. However, your teeth are not the only area you should be brushing. Did you know that brushing your tongue is equally as important? It harbors bacteria that can lead to bad breath and other dental complications. Your dentist in Waterbury not only recommends that your brush your teeth to protect your smile, but your tongue as well.

Why Do I Need to Brush My Tongue?

Your mouth naturally contains bacteria, which increases throughout the day based on the foods and drinks you consume and your saliva production. While you know that it is damaging to your teeth and gums, your tongue is more of a target. Although you cannot get a cavity on your tongue, the accumulations can cause issues.

Often, bacteria become trapped in your taste buds and your tongue’s crevices, causing it to accumulate unless it is removed twice a day. This creates a biofilm, which is a gathering of microorganisms that cling to one another on the surface of your tongue. Although you may thing that drinking water or using a mouthrinse is effective for removing it, they are not. Water and mouthrinses only kill the outer cells of the biofilm, not those that are beneath the surface.

Over time, this accumulation will lead to bad breath and may increase your risk for tooth decay. To protect your smile, it is best to physically remove the bacteria twice a day while brushing your teeth.

How Do I Brush My Tongue?

It may seem fairly self-explanatory as to how to clean your tongue, but most people do not do it effectively. After brushing your teeth, use your toothbrush in a back and forth motion to clean your tongue. To ensure you are cleaning the hard to reach places, also brush side to side. When you are finished, rinse your mouth with water or a mouthrinse.

Just like your teeth, you can over brush your tongue. While cleaning it, be careful not to brush too hard or too much, which can lead to damage or irritation to the skin.

As an alternative, you can also use a tongue scraper, which many believe to be more effective; however, the American Dental Association does not report any evidence that suggests that it is better than using a toothbrush.

Get a Healthy Smile Today

Brushing your tongue should be a regular part of your oral hygiene routine. By doing so, you will notice a significant improvement in bad breath. However, if you still suffer from the foul odor, you may have a larger issue brewing beneath the surface. If brushing your tongue does not help, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

About Waterbury Smiles

Since 1986, Waterbury Smiles has provided comprehensive dental care to the community. We will help you protect the health of your teeth and gums with proper oral hygiene habits and regular dental care. If you have any questions about your oral hygiene routine, contact our office today.