Should You Brush Your Tongue?

Grab a mirror and stick your tongue out. What do you see? If you look closely, you will find that your tongue is covered with tiny bumps called papillae. The papillae are what give your tongue a rough texture. These bumps give bacteria places to hide and thrive. If you don’t follow the advice of the best dentist in Orlando, the bacteria can transfer from your tongue to your teeth and cause tooth damage and bad breath.

Everyone knows brushing your teeth is important for optimum oral health but not everyone is aware that they need to include their tongue as well.

Is It Necessary to Clean Your Tongue?

The Importance of Brushing Your Tongue

Even though you brush your teeth for two minutes, there will still be bacteria left, and much of it can get stuck in the little bumps found on your tongue. During the day, bacteria and food particles accumulate on your tongue, forming a mucus-like coating.

In a study done by the Journal of Periodontal Research, it was found that people who regularly cleaned their tongue, either with a scraper or toothbrush, had less coating compared to participants who didn’t brush their tongues.

How to Clean Your Tongue

There are two ways to clean your tongue. One, use the same toothbrush that you clean your teeth with. However, make sure that the bristles are soft.

Two, some people prefer to use a tongue scraper. It’s a flexible soft plastic that helps peel away the slimy coating on your tongue. Make sure you clean your tongue twice a day.

Are You Looking for the Best Dentist in Orlando?

Every time you do your oral care routine, never forget your tongue. If you need more tips on how to improve your oral health, we can help.

At Altamonte Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide a wide range of tailormade dental treatments just for you. All of our dental health professionals are highly trained and skilled to provide you with the best possible care. Fill out our form to schedule an appointment with us.