When you brush your teeth twice daily, do you also brush your tongue as part of your routine?
Neglecting your tongue’s cleanliness can cause severe consequences for your oral and general health.
According to the Global Healthy Thinking Report, only 39% of the world’s population manage their tongue health with regular brushing. Tongue care is an integral part of your health.
Why Is Tongue Care Important?
Neglecting your tongue’s cleanliness can cause severe consequences for your oral and general health. When bacteria, food particles, and dead skin cells are left behind, the result can be infections, bad breath, and a reduced ability to taste foods and drinks.
How Can I Improve My Tongue Health?
There are several ways to promote tongue health. To maximize the benefits of cleaning your tongue, consider some of the following tips.
Brush your tongue.
Starting a tongue-care habit doesn’t involve buying the latest technology. Simply using a good toothbrush with firm bristles will suffice.
If you struggle with committing to a proper oral hygiene routine, consider setting timers or reminders on your phone or computer to help you stay on track.
To begin, apply a small amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush and brush from the back of your mouth to the front. Use gentle, firm pressure. When finished, rinse well with water or mouthwash to expel the bacteria and say hello to a happy tongue.
Scrape your tongue.
Scraping your tongue differs from brushing it. Scrapers are widely available and made from soft, flexible plastic. This tongue care device makes it easy to eliminate bacteria and food particles that impede your sense of taste or cause bad breath.
Drink green tea.
In addition to providing an influx of good-for-you antioxidants, green tea has shown to reduce bad breath, improve oral health, and reduce bacteria in your mouth. Oral health benefits aside, green tea can help boost focus and concentration, provide hydration, and may even assist with weight loss.
Attend regularly scheduled dental cleanings.
Regular dental appointments are vital to ensuring tongue care and oral health. Visit your dentist as recommended for cleanings and dental x-rays.
Plaque and tartar can form in as few as 24 hours and harden on your teeth after 72 hours. If you struggle with committing to a proper oral hygiene routine, consider setting timers or reminders on your phone or computer to help you stay on track.
Brush and floss twice daily.
Brush your teeth and tongue twice daily for two minutes each, and floss your teeth every night or after eating sticky treats.
Schedule an Appointment at Anders Dental in Black Mountain, NC
As one of the area’s leading dental care authorities, Anders Dental in Black Mountain, North Carolina, believes your health starts from the inside.
Whether you need general, cosmetic, or family dentistry, we’re happy to help. Schedule an appointment and get your smile back!