Why You Need to Be Brushing Your Tongue
Brushing your tongue is just as important as brushing your teeth even though it doesn’t get nearly as much attention. Your tongue is the ideal breeding ground for bacteria that causes bad breath, periodontal disease, cavities, and all of the other problems that you brush your teeth to prevent. But sometimes brushing your teeth isn’t enough when harmful bacteria is left on the tongue. In the perfect environment for growth, it can create a filmy coating on the tongue that causes a foul odor. Besides, you don’t want that bacteria just sitting there do you? Brushing your tongue is necessary since even the strongest mouthwash isn’t able to get rid of the film.
How to Brush Your Tongue
Brushing your tongue is very simple. You can and should do it every time you brush your teeth. Once you have brushed your teeth, simply scrub your tongue from front to back and side to side with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be careful that you’re scrubbing gently since you don’t want to break the skin. You can also use a tongue scraper for a quick fix, although a toothbrush is generally better.
Questions About Brushing Your Tongue or Bad Breath?
Did you start brushing your tongue only to realize you still have frequent bad breath? Sometimes, other underlying conditions like cavities can have a negative effect on your breath. Please contact us if you have any questions about how to take care of your tongue or your teeth. If you have any questions about anything else related to your dental health, please don’t hesitate to contact your Vienna, MO dental team at Barnhart Dental. Dr. Joseph and Dr. John Barnhart will be happy to assist you.
