Are You Taking Care of Your Tongue?

You might be conscious when it comes to your teeth and gums and the routine for brushing and flossing, but is it the same with your tongue? Our tongue is a pretty awesome part of our mouth. It not only helps us chew our food, speakclearly, but it also plays an important role in our dental and overall health. If we fail to take care of our tongue, it can create some serious dental concerns. Read on to know more about the tongue.

 

A Little Background

Our tongue is home to over 10,000 taste buds and it is often the most exposed area to most bacteria and acid. Each tiny taste bud and all the other bumps (papillae) and dips we can feel and see on the tongue’s surface make a great place for both bacteria and acid to hide.

 

Why It Should Be Taken Care Of

The tongue is in constant contact with our teeth. If the tongue is not clean or worse, teeming with bacteria, all of the bacteria will be transferred right onto your teeth. When this happens, the chance for tooth decay greatly increases. If you have a clean tongue, it also leads to better-tasting meals. It is true that bad breath can be caused by many different things, but cleaning your tongue is one great way to help keep your breath smelling fresh. Remember that trapped germs on the tongue can lead to bad breath and it can also affect your sense of taste. Overgrowth of bacteria can turn your tongue white, yellow or even black.

 

How to Take Care of It

Each time you brush your teeth, spare a few extra seconds for brushing your tongue. Simply stick out your tongue and gently scrub it with your toothbrush. Try to reach right to the back of your tongue. If this triggers your gag reflex, don’t give up… the trick is to keep trying. Eventually, your gag reflex will ease up. If you really find it difficult and uncomfortable to brush your tongue, you are not alone. Many people will say this is true for them. An alternative cleaning solution would be with the help of a tongue scraper. This tool gently removes bacteria from the surface of the tongue and it is easier to use for those people who have sensitive gag reflexes. It even comes in various shapes and sizes. Make it a habit to clean your tongue thoroughly.

 

Special Cases

If a tongue has been neglected for a long time, it may be coated and crusty. Sometimes this is seen in people who have problems with physical dexterity or those who rely on others for their oral care, or are mouth breathers. People that   take certain medications that dry the mouth are more likely to have a coated tongue. If your tongue is too dry when you try to scrape it, you might be damaging the tissue. Try brushing instead after cleaning your teeth – this way, the mouth is still moist.

 

If you have any concerns with your tongue, gums and teeth, have your mouth checked to avoid more complex problems. Contact Dr. Marvin Lean and his team to book an appointment.

 

 

Five Reasons to Make Tongue Cleaning a Part of Your Oral Care Routine

The latest data shows that brushing your tongue is just as important as brushing your teeth and gums. But millions of Canadians are still resistant to make tongue-cleaning a part of their daily oral health regimen. In this blog, we’ll provide further insight into the benefits of teeth cleaning and why you should add the process into your oral care routine. 

1. Tongue Cleaning can Protect Against Tooth Decay

One of the leading causes of tooth decay is microorganisms that travel from the tongue and damage healthy teeth and gums. Brushing your tongue can help remove bacteria and prevent problems such as gingivitis. 

2. Tongue Cleaning Can Protect Against Strep Throat

Strep throat is a condition that can often be caused by bacteria traveling down from the tongue through the mouth and into the throat. By eliminating the bacteria at the entryway to your system, you can help stop strep throat in its tracks.

3. Regular Tongue Cleaning can Help Guard Against Plaque Formation

The soft plaque on teeth is often comprised of bacterial byproducts that are produced by the tongue and move to the teeth. When this plaque is not removed within a 12-hour period, it becomes hard plaque, which is then more difficult to remove without professional help. Through proactive tongue-cleaning, you can help reduce plaque build-up.

4. Improve Bad Breath with Simple Brushing!

Many people believe that the use of mouthwash will prevent their bad breath throughout the day. But mouthwash is only a temporary solution to a persistent issue. Brushing your tongue over a long period of time can help prevent the buildup of bacteria that leads to issues with bad breath.

5. A Clean Tongue Can Enhance Taste

By cleaning your tongue, you can also actively improve your taste. By cleaning the food debris and other contaminants from the tongue, you can improve your ability to percept subtle flavours within food. This means tongue-cleaning is a critical process for those who love to go out and enjoy a great meal over their weekends.

Your tongue plays an important role in your overall oral health. Consider the tongue when completing your oral care regimen and ensure you’re removing all bacteria during cleaning. To discover more on the benefits of comprehensive tongue cleaning, contact our trusted experts directly!