Do I Need to Brush My Tongue?

Every dentist who has an office in Medford will say that for optimal oral hygiene, we should brush our teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. In addition to fighting tooth decay and gingivitis, it also aids in avoiding foul breath.    

There has been significant discussion in the past about whether brushing the tongue should be part of the daily routine to maintain the health of the mouth, gums, and teeth. People also wonder if this will help in the prevention of halitosis. The American Dental Association puts an end to the argument by advocating tongue cleaning in addition to routine tooth brushing and flossing.   

Your tongue comes into contact with all the food and beverages you consume, and you will notice that it frequently has the colors of the food you’ve eaten. Bacteria collect around the tongue’s structural elements due to leftover food particles. Even though you can’t see them, your tongue is covered in bumps, tiny craters, and taste buds.  

The tongue serves as a haven for microorganisms. On the tongue, bacteria can be found that cause bad breath. To remove the bacteria in your mouth, you only accomplish half the work if you brush your teeth but ignore your tongue.

Why You Should Brush Your Tongue

Eliminate Dental Germs

Dental germs are not eliminated merely by rinsing your mouth with water. Because the bacteria on your tongue adhere to a sticky film, mouthwashes, and gargles cannot remove them. Instead, you should adequately brush and clean your tongue.   

Prevent Black Hairs in Your Tongue

Brushing your tongue will help you avoid the development of black hairs in your tongue. When you consume dark foods and beverages, such as red wine, coffee, or soda, your tongue’s papillae, which resemble little bumps on your tongue, become discolored.  

Freshens Your Breath

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, can be caused by germs on the tongue. Regular tongue brushing can get rid of those dangerous germs. This can improve your oral health and offer you cleaner breath.   

No matter how thoroughly you clean your teeth, germs or minute food particles that accumulate on your tongue could still make their way to your teeth and gums. It will cause tooth decay and periodontal disease. You can avoid oral health issues like tooth decay and periodontal disease by brushing your tongue. 

Are You Looking for a Dentist with an Office in Medford?

If you want more advice on dental hygiene or want to inquire about dental treatment, don’t hesitate to contact us!