Why You Should Brush Your Tongue
Overview
You brush and floss twice a day, but you could be doing your mouth a disservice if you aren’t also attacking the bacteria living on your tongue. Whether it’s to fight bad breath or just for good dental health, cleaning your tongue is important, dentists say.
Your Tongue Is Covered with Bacteria
Coffee turns it brown, red wine turns it red. The truth is, your tongue is just as much of a target for bacteria as your teeth are, even if it is not at risk for developing cavities itself. Bacteria accumulates greatly in the areas of the tongue between the taste buds and other tongue structures. It’s not smooth. There are crevices and elevations all over the tongue, and the bacteria will hide in these areas unless it is removed.
Rinsing Won’t Work
The buildup on the tongue is not just harmless saliva. In fact, it is a biofilm, or a group of microorganisms, that stick together on the surface of the tongue. And unfortunately, getting rid of it isn’t as simple as drinking water or using mouthwash.
It is difficult to kill the bacteria in the biofilm because, for example, when mouth rinses are used, only the outer cells of the biofilm are destroyed and the cells beneath the surface still thrive.
These bacteria can lead to bad breath and even tooth damage. Because of this, it’s necessary to physically remove the bacteria by brushing or cleaning.
How to Clean Your Tongue
You should brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. It’s pretty simple:
- brush back and forth
- brush side to side
- rinse your mouth with water
Some people prefer to use a tongue scraper, available in most drug stores. The American Dental Association says there is no evidence that these work any better than brushes.
Cleaning your tongue usually makes bad breath go away, but if it’s still a problem, you may want to consult with a dentist or your doctor. Your problem could be more serious, as bad breath can be caused by tooth decay, infections in your mouth, nose, sinuses, or throat, medications, and even cancer or diabetes.
Tongue brushing is an easy addition to your daily dental routine, and experts endorse making it a regular habit.
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