Do You Need to Brush Your Tongue?

If not cleaned regularly, your tongue can become a breeding ground for oral bacteria that can easily transfer to your teeth and gums as well as travel to other parts of the body, causing dental and overall health problems.

Our doctors at Parklane Family Dental in are eminent dentists who provide accessible, efficient, and gentle dental care to patients.

In this blog, you will find information on the importance of brushing your tongue and how to do it properly.

Why Should You Brush Your Tongue?

Bad Breath

The bacteria on the tongue release an odorous gas that can cause halitosis or bad breath.

Altered Taste

When you don't brush your tongue, a nasty coating of bacteria, food particles, and dead skin cells called a biofilm can cover up your taste buds, altering your sense of taste.

Tooth Decay and Periodontal Disease

No matter how well you brush your teeth, if you don’t also eliminate the bacteria or food particles that build up on your tongue, bacteria will still reach your teeth and gums and cause potential problems such as tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Throat Infection

The bacteria on your tongue can enter the bloodstream and cause throat infections such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis.

Therefore, the answer to the question ‘Do I need to brush my tongue?’ is definitely YES. In order to maintain good oral health, it is necessary to also clean your tongue twice daily, making this habit an integral part of your oral hygiene routine. 

How to Clean Your Tongue?

Using a small amount of toothpaste, start brushing the back of your tongue and move forward. Scrub side to side and up and down using a reasonable amount of pressure. You can also use tongue scrapers but the bristles of your toothbrush will work just fine.

If you want to learn more about what healthy habits you can adopt to maintain your oral health, contact Parklane Family Dental by callingDentist in Fort Smith, ARat(479) 782-0080 (Fort Smith, AR), (479) 484-0777 (Fort Smith, AR), orDentist in Rogers, ARat(479) 273-0004 (Rogers, AR) or visiting any of our locations.