Do You Need To Brush Your Tongue?

Have you ever wondered why your dentist always asks you to brush your tongue? Here are the reasons.

Why Do You Need To Brush Your Tongue?

The tongue is home to millions of bacteria, and these can be harmful if allowed to build up over time. When food particles sit in your mouth, they mix with bacteria and other particles to create plaque buildup on your teeth. If this builds up over time, it can lead to cavities and even gum disease. If left unchecked, this can lead to tooth loss. When you brush your teeth, you are mostly focused on your teeth. This can leave your tongue neglected. The tongue is one of the places where the bacteria buildup will most often occur. Brushing your tongue will remove these bacteria and prevent the buildup of plaque. The act of scraping away buildup will also help improve the overall cleanliness of your mouth. Additionally, brushing the tongue can improve the overall health of your mouth by killing germs and removing plaque that could eventually harden into tartar buildup. This will further prevent the development of tooth decay and bad breath caused by the bacteria in your mouth. 

Benefits of Tongue Brushing

Brushing the tongue may sound like an odd thing to do, but the benefits are definitely worth it!

Tongues are warm, moist incubators full of bacteria and fungi that can cause bad breath and periodontal issues. Using a toothbrush or specialized tongue scraper to scrape away bacterial buildup will freshen your breath and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Additionally, when you scrape your tongue, you trigger the salivary glands to release more saliva, which naturally washes debris from your teeth and reduces your risk for cavities. (Plus, who doesn’t like fresh-from-the-dentist breath?!)

How to Brush Your Tongue?

Many toothbrushes have small bristles that are designed for brushing the tongue. Tongue scrapers are another option for people who have trouble reaching their back teeth with a regular toothbrush or a toothbrush designed to reach the back of the mouth. You can also use an anti-microbial mouthwash to help kill any bacteria left behind on your tongue after brushing. Your dentist can also recommend special toothpaste that is formulated to help fight the bacteria left behind on the tongue.

How Often Should You Brush Your Tongue?

Your tongue harbors a lot of bacteria, which is why brushing it is so important. Ideally, you should o brush your tongue at least once a day with a toothbrush or a tongue scraper.

Contact Sugar Land Dental in Sugar Land, TX, for more tips about the best dental care. To book an appointment, call (281) 980-5100 or visit us at 101 Southwestern Blvd Suite 204, Sugar Land, TX 77478.