You know that it’s important to brush and floss every day, but what do you know about brushing your tongue? In fact, should you consider brushing your tongue? What are the benefits? Do you just use your toothbrush? If you’re interested in answers questions like these, please read on.
Strictly speaking, brushing your tongue isn’t necessary—though it may not be a bad idea. Your tongue will naturally clean itself as it moves against food and is covered in saliva. Similarly, the bacteria on your tongue can spread to your teeth. However, it takes twenty-four hours for plaque to form, so as long as you brush every day, your smile should be safe. However, because your tongue does house bacteria, it can lead to bad breath. Therefore, if you struggle with bad breath, brushing your tongue could help. Similarly, it could be good to brush your tongue if you eat foods that cling to your tongue or leave an unpleasant aftertaste, such as garlic, onions, and salmon.
Luckily, brushing your tongue isn’t complicated. In fact, there are even specialized tools that can help you. This tools, which are referred to as tongue scrapers, come in a variety of materials, sizes, and even colors. If course, you can also use your toothbrush to clean your tongue, but some people find that doing so triggers their gag reflex. Conversely, tongue scrapers are designed to keep you comfortable while cleaning your tongue.
Finally, if you’re dealing with recurring bad breath, please visit Ross Family Dental. You could have gum disease or another issue that Dr. Steven Ross should address. If you’re interested in learning more, please feel free to contact us at 831-422-5351. We’re excited to hear from you!