You know that daily brushing and flossing are the foundation of good oral hygiene. But did you know that you should be brushing your tongue, too? Cleaning your tongue at least once a day helps eliminate bacteria that can contribute to a host of oral health issues, including bad breath and tooth decay. The following guide explains in more detail how this works and offers some advice on how to correctly brush your tongue. 

Why Your Dentist Wants You to Brush Your Tongue

Your tongue is covered with many crevices and bumps, all of which can trap bacteria. As the bacteria accumulate, it can create sulfur compounds, which contribute to bad breath. Bacteria on your tongue also create a biofilm, which is the gray, white, brown, or yellowish spots you can see when you stick out your tongue. 

Biofilm not only contributes to bad breath but also increases the number of bacteria in your mouth. When the excess bacteria end up on your teeth, it can ultimately increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. Unfortunately, biofilm cannot be simply rinsed away. It needs to be physically scraped off, which is why tongue brushing needs to be a part of your oral hygiene routine. 

Cleaning Your Tongue With a Tongue Scraper 

The most effective way to clean your tongue is with a tongue scraper, a metal or plastic tool you can find wherever you purchase oral hygiene supplies. 

Before brushing your teeth, stick your tongue out as far as you can, and run the scraper down its length while applying gentle pressure. Rinse the scraper before repeating the process, until you've scraped your whole tongue. You may need to work on repositioning the scraper or the amount of pressure to prevent a gag reflex. 

Cleaning Your Tongue With a Toothbrush 

You do not have to use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue. You can use your toothbrush during your normal oral hygiene routine. 

To use the brush, again, stick your tongue out as far as possible. Starting at the back, gently brush back and forth to clean your tongue. Rinse with warm water. As with a tongue scraper, you may need to use different pressure in different areas to avoid triggering the gag reflex.

Take care of your oral hygiene with regular dental visits. And if you are looking for a dentist in the Lincoln, NE, area, make an appointment with Dr. Richard A. Brunmeier DDS. For almost 30 years, the compassionate and friendly team at this local practice has provided quality dental care to patients of all ages. From routine exams and cleanings to dental implants and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Brunmeier and his staff are committed to custom treatment plans that put the patient first. To learn more, call (402) 484-6644 or visit them online.