While most people brush and floss twice a day, many are doing their mouth a disservice by not cleaning the bacteria living on your tongue. From fighting bad breath or just for keeping up good dental health, cleaning your tongue is important.
Your tongue is covered in bacteria. Coffee turns it brown, red wine turns in red, and a blue popsicle turns it blue. The truth is, the tongue is just as targeted by bacteria as teeth are, though it is not at risk for developing cavities. A large number of bacteria will collect in the areas of the tongue among the taste buds and other tongue constructs.
The buildup we see on the tongue is a biofilm, or group of microorganisms, that stick together on the tongue’s surface. These don’t go away when we rinse or drink water. The biofilm is hard to kill because when mouthwashes are used, it only destroys the outer cells of the biofilm. But the cells underneath that top layer are left to thrive.
These bacteria often lead to bad breath and tooth damage, which is why it is important to remove the biofilm by brushing or cleaning it.
So, what’s the best way to clean your tongue?
It’s best to brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. It’s pretty simple:
- brush back and forth
- brush side to side
- make sure to get as far back as you can
- rinse your mouth with water
Cleaning your tongue usually helps get rid of bad breath. If you’re still having an issue, you may want to consult with a dentist. Your problem could be more serious since bad breath could be a sign of tooth decay, infections in your mouth, nose, sinuses, or throat, medication side effects, and even cancer or diabetes. Tongue brushing is a quick and easy step to add to your daily dental routine. Give Foothill Dental Care a call today at (925) 961-5484 to set up an appointment today!