Many of us receive a biennial reminder from our dentists to brush and floss our teeth twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste. However, many dentists do not encourage brushing or cleansing our tongues. It’s a major error, especially given that your tongue is a breeding ground for microorganisms that create plaque and, eventually, cavities or gum disease. In the mirror, you’ll notice an off-white paste coating the surface of your tongue, which is likely thicker near the rear. That’s all the germs you don’t need.
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be an embarrassing problem that affects many individuals. One often overlooked culprit for bad breath is a neglected tongue. Dental cleanings and checkups in Bridlewood can significantly contribute to maintaining fresh breath. In this guide, we’ll explore why cleaning your tongue is essential and provide step-by-step instructions on how to effectively do it.
Why Clean Your Tongue?
The surface of your tongue is a prime breeding ground for bacteria, dead cells, and food debris. When these accumulate, they can lead to the production of sulphur compounds, resulting in unpleasant odours. Cleaning your tongue not only helps combat bad breath but also promotes overall oral health. Additionally, it can enhance your sense of taste and improve the appearance of your tongue.
While tongue scrapers are preferable instruments for cleaning your tongue thoroughly and gently, if you don’t have a scraper on hand, a toothbrush would suffice. If you must brush your tongue, make sure to use this method. If you are suffering from any dental pain, you can reach out to a dentist near you.
Brushing your tongue too vigorously may irritate the muscles and create injuries over time. This is especially important if you use an electric toothbrush since it is possible for people who are unfamiliar with the effectiveness of electric brushes to push down too hard and injure their teeth, gums, or tongue.
Tools for Tongue Cleaning
- Tongue Scraper: This is a simple and effective tool designed specifically for cleaning the tongue. It usually has a flat, slightly curved surface to remove debris and bacteria.
- Toothbrush: Many toothbrushes come with a tongue cleaner on the back. While it is not as effective as a dedicated tongue scraper, it can still help remove some debris.
- Mouthwash: An antimicrobial or antibacterial mouthwash can be used to rinse your mouth after tongue cleaning, providing an extra layer of protection against bacteria.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Tongue
- Prepare Your Tools: Gather your tongue scraper, toothbrush, and mouthwash.
- Brush Your Teeth: Start by thoroughly brushing your teeth to remove any plaque and debris.
- Position the Tongue Scraper: Hold the tongue scraper at the back of your tongue, ensuring it reaches as far back as is comfortable. The aim is to gently scrape from the back of the tongue to the front.
- Scrape Your Tongue: Using moderate pressure, scrape your tongue in a forward motion. Repeat this bridlewood dental clinic several times, rinsing the scraper between each pass.
- Use the Toothbrush: If you don’t have a tongue scraper, use the back of your toothbrush to brush your tongue. Move the brush in a back-and-forth motion, covering the entire surface.
- Rinse with Mouthwash Rinse your mouth thoroughly with an antimicrobial mouthwash to eliminate any remaining bacteria and leave your mouth feeling fresh.
- Clean Your Tools: Rinse your tongue scraper or toothbrush thoroughly and allow them to air dry. Regularly replace your toothbrush or tongue scraper to maintain effectiveness. You can also book your appointment for dental cleanings and checkups near you.
- Incorporate into Your Routine: Make tongue cleaning a part of your daily oral hygiene routine, preferably after each time you brush your teeth.
Conclusion:
It takes more than just brushing your teeth to keep your breath fresh. Incorporating regular tongue cleaning into your oral hygiene routine can significantly reduce the risk of bad breath and contribute to a healthier mouth overall. Follow this comprehensive guide, and you’ll be on your way to a cleaner, fresher tongue and a more confident smile.
