When you wake up in the morning or before you retire for the night, do you brush your tongue alongside your teeth? You should brush and floss your teeth twice a day. However, you should also brush your tongue twice a day. It is important to brush your teeth and tongue to remove all of the bacteria and germs that build up in your mouth. Unfortunately, overgrown bacteria can contribute to causing bad breath (halitosis). To ensure you are properly brushing your tongue, schedule an appointment with our trusted general dentistry dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ. In addition, please continue reading to learn about the many benefits of brushing your tongue every day.
Why Brushing Your Tongue Matters
Though you may assume your oral health regimen is limited to brushing and flossing your teeth, you may be surprised to learn that brushing your tongue is an important part of your oral health. Many of the patients we see in Basking Ridge and Morristown ask if this is a necessary step – it absolutely is.
Your tongue holds most of the bacteria in your mouth that contribute to problems like bad breath and cavities. This bacteria, known as biofilm, is not removed by brushing your teeth alone. As such, ensuring you properly clean your tongue is critical.
What Happens if You Don’t Brush Your Tongue?
Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the importance of tongue brushing as part of their standard oral hygiene routine. Failure to brush your tongue may result in serious issues that impact your confidence, dental health, and physical health.
Increased Risk of Tooth Decay & Gum Disease
As harmful bacteria accumulate on your tongue, they can migrate to the surface of your teeth and gums. These bacteria can then contribute to issues like cavities and decay, which can cause considerable damage and pain.
Bad Breath
As mentioned, one of the primary causes of bad breath is the buildup of odor-causing sulfur compounds that originate on the tongue. With regular tongue cleaning, you can help reduce the presence of these compounds.
Altered Taste Due to Biofilm
When there is a large accumulation of biofilm on your tongue, it can block your taste buds. In turn, you’ll find that this can impact the taste of food and drinks.
Black Hairy Tongue Risk
Black hairy tongue is a condition in which overgrown papillae become stained and trap dead skin and bacteria. This can give the appearance of a hairy and black tongue. Though harmless, it can look unsightly. Luckily, this can be easily prevented with routine tongue cleaning.
Possible Impact on the Immune System
Because your tongue is generally the first point of contact for anything that enters your mouth, it plays a surprisingly important role in your immune system. As such, bacteria that live in your mouth can quickly multiply due to the warm, wet environment, before spreading to your throat and digestive system. As such, brushing your tongue can help:
- Remove harmful bacteria before they spread to the rest of your body
- Reduce the burden on your immune system
- Lower the chances of infections and gum disease
People who brush their tongues on a daily basis often report a “fresher” feeling overall due to the reduction of bacteria in the mouth.
How To Properly Brush or Clean Your Tongue
Brushing your tongue is a simple and effective way to improve your oral hygiene. Luckily, there are different methods you can use to determine what is best for you.
Option 1 – Use Your Toothbrush
When brushing your tongue with a toothbrush, you should start by rinsing your toothbrush under warm water, especially if you have just finished brushing your teeth. To start, begin brushing from the back of your tongue and work your way forward. After you’ve finished gently brushing your tongue, you should rinse your mouth.
Option 2 – Use a Tongue Scraper
Tongue scrapers are a dental tool that can be found at your local drugstore. Those who choose to use a tongue scraper rather than their toothbrush will take the scraper to the back of their tongue and gently pull it forward to the front of the tongue. This will effectively remove any built-up bacteria and biofilm.
Option 3 – Use Toothbrushes With Built-in Scrapers
In some instances, your toothbrush may have a built-in tongue scraper. These are typically found opposite the bristles on the paddle of the brush. They may look like small, rounded spikes or curved, raised ridges. Both can help in the removal of biofilm from the tongue.
Regardless of the method you choose to clean your tongue, you should always be gentle. If you are not confident that you are brushing your tongue properly, our skilled dentists can show you how to safely and properly brush your tongue.
Benefits of Brushing Your Tongue
There are several benefits to brushing your tongue:
- Reduces the bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath
- Helps prevent gum disease
- Helps prevent cavities
- Prevents the buildup of biofilm
- Supports optimal taste sensation
- Reduces staining
- Lowers risk of “black hairy tongue”
When Should You Brush Your Tongue?
Ensuring you care for your tongue at proper times is critical. In general, you should ensure that you brush your tongue:
- Twice a day, in the morning and at night
- After consuming staining beverages like coffee, tea, wine, or soda
- After being sick and during cold/flu season
Contact Our Basking Ridge Dental Team
As you can see, the regular brushing of your tongue is a critical aspect of your oral health. As such, if you have questions about this process, it is imperative to schedule a visit with one of our experienced dentists at the Dental Associates of Basking Ridge. Our team of qualified dentists can help ensure you are using the correct methods to gently and properly brush your tongue. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
