Tongue Brushing is important

Good oral hygiene can help you avoid a host of dental problems. While most people know the benefits of brushing and flossing their teeth, few understand the importance of brushing the tongue.

Why is it important to brush your tongue?

Over time, harmful bacteria breed and accumulate around the taste buds on the surface of the tongue. If not removed, these microorganisms form a living biofilm on the tongue’s surface, one that could lead to a variety of dental health problems. Physical cleaning through brushing eliminates this biofilm and reduces harmful bacteria in the mouth. Dr. Dernick says this helps to preserve good oral health and eliminate bad breath.

Brushing your tongue and curbing bad breath

Some of the common causes of bad breath include a dry mouth, oral diseases, and underlying health problems. However, since bacteria give off foul odors, brushing your tongue can improve bad breath. Visiting the Woodlands dental team can help to remedy the situation. If you brush your tongue and still battle bad breath regularly, you should visit your dentist to ensure it’s not caused by an underlying condition that needs to be treated.

Tips for cleaning your tongue

The best way to brush the tongue is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub the surface. Use a side to side motion and scrub gently to avoid damaging the surface of the tongue. Once you are done, rinse your mouth with water. A good rule of thumb is to brush your tongue the same time you brush your teeth each day. 

Contact Us

If you have any questions about brushing your tongue, oral hygiene or dental care in general, please contact us. Remember that regular visits to a qualified Woodlands dentist will also go far in helping to maintain good dental health. Schedule a routine checkup today.