When you go to the dentist you are probably used to hearing about how important it is to brush your teeth and floss between them. But every once in a while you might get the recommendation to take care of your tongue. There are many reasons to brush your tongue. In this article, we will cover why it is important to brush your tongue, how to do it effectively and safely, and some of the issues that can arise when you don’t brush your tongue. Of course, when it comes to dental health, nothing is as important as regular dental visits. If you live in the Chicago area, and are interested in improving your overall dental health, contact us to make a dental appointment at one of our 11 locations in Chicago.
What Happens When You Don’t Brush Your Tongue?
There are many potential risks to not brushing your tongue. First and foremost, brushing your tongue can remove plaque and bacteria that exists in your mouth. Just like brushing your teeth or flossing between your teeth, brushing your tongue helps get rid of the bacteria linked to tooth decay and gum disease. Patients can often overlook the tongue, but there is a lot of surface area for bacteria to grow. Beyond the risks to your oral health, bacteria on the tongue have some other negative impacts. Bacteria on the tongue can lead to bad breath and can also mute the taste of food and beverages.
How Do You Brush Your Tongue
Just like with brushing near your gums, you want to be gentle when you brush your tongue. Too much pressure can lead to irritation and damage. When you brush your tongue you should hold your toothbrush at an angle (about 45 degrees) and gently move from the back of your tongue to the front. Some toothbrushes even have a tongue brush scraping tool on the back of the toothbrush. You should also use a small amount of toothpaste to help clean the tongue. Another option for cleaning your tongue is using a tongue scraper. Tongue scrapers can help remove plaque and bacteria more effectively but a toothbrush works fine as long as you are consistent and using the right technique. Whichever you use, make sure you are doing it at least once per day, and make sure to use a cup of water or mouth wash to remove all the bacteria and plaque that you loosen when cleaning your teeth, gums, and tongue.
Make Family Dental Appointments in Chicago
When it comes to all things oral health, nothing is more important than setting up routine visits with your dental team. A quick dental visit can find issues, address them, and also help with education. Your dentist can recommend mouthwash, and toothpaste, or demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques. If you live in the Chicago area and are interested in making a family dental appointment please contact us.