Good at-home dental care entails daily brushing and flossing, eating a healthy diet, and drinking plenty of water. However, many people overlook another vital responsibility: tongue brushing. This measure can help you avoid oral issues like cavities and bad breath. Here's why you should make this practice a part of your dental hygiene routine.

Benefits of Regular Tongue Brushing

Oral bacteria rests throughout the mouth, including on the tongue. These microorganisms irritate the gums and lead to redness and swelling. They can also eat away the tooth enamel, resulting in cavities. While brushing and flossing will eliminate bacteria on the teeth and gums, they can remain on the tongue when it's left unattended.

Poor dental care, smoking, dry mouth, and certain medications can cause tongue bacteria to accumulate in the mouth. When this occurs, the buildup can cause halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath. This condition can't always be addressed through brushing and flossing alone. While rinsing with mouthwash can eliminate some oral bacteria, the best defense against bad breath is tongue brushing. 

How to Brush Your Tongue

Make it a routine to clean the tongue twice a day, once in the morning and before heading to bed. You can utilize either a toothbrush or a scraper to practice this step. When using the former, brush the tongue as you would for the teeth, ensuring you cover all areas. Once you're finished, rinse thoroughly to eliminate the bacteria.

Tongue scrapers have a handle similar to toothbrushes, but the brush end is replaced with a thin plastic or metal wire. To use this tool, open your mouth wide and position it at the back of your tongue. Move the wire down to the tip, covering the entire surface. Repeat scraping up to five times before rinsing thoroughly.

Chinook Family Dentistry in Anchorage, AK, takes a preventative approach to dental care, which is why they encourage patients to be diligent about their at-home health routines. Their team is always kind and compassionate to ensure your visit is pleasant. Along with routine check-ups and cleanings, they also provide advanced procedures like root canals and implants. Visit the website to learn more about their dental care services, and call (907) 272-8422 today to schedule an appointment.