The importance of daily brushing and flossing is widely understood. However, you may not be sure how brushing your tongue benefits your dental health routine. This area of the mouth can retain significant amounts of bacteria even after rinsing, leading to several preventable problems. Here are a few reasons why dentists recommend incorporating tongue-brushing or scraping into your daily dental health habits.

Why You Should Brush Your Tongue

1. Eliminate Harmful Bacteria

Harmful and beneficial bacteria are present on your tongue, teeth, and gums at all times. While brushing and flossing remove many harmful or unsanitary microorganisms and the food particles they use as food, many will remain on the tongue even after rinsing your mouth. Oral bacteria often produce acids as a byproduct of their eating processes, thus potentially eroding the enamel that protects your teeth. As a result, your good habits may be for nothing if bacteria are left behind to pose a risk of infections, tooth decay, and other issues.

Bacteria can also cause gum disease when they become trapped in pockets below the roots of the teeth. Oral bacteria can irritate and inflame gum tissue, exposing it to further complications which can develop into a periodontal disease unless treated by a dentist as soon as possible. 

2. Freshen Your Breath

Many of the same bacteria which threaten dental health are responsible for bad breath. When certain bacteria eat food particles left between your teeth, they emit volatile sulfur compounds, which can contribute to certain odors. Brushing your tongue removes the bacteria that can cause halitosis and allows the beneficial bacteria in your mouth to keep unpleasant smells at bay.

3. Reduce the Risk of Gum Disease

Removing bacteria from your tongue may also improve your sense of taste. In one study, people who brushed their tongues had a marked improvement in taste sensitivity after two weeks. In another, cleaning the tongue was found to have a possible link to improving its ability to distinguish between sweet, savory, sour, and bitter flavors.

For expert dental advice and routine treatment, get in touch with Philmont Family Dentistry in Philmont, NY. Led by Dr. Tareq Khalifeh, the dentists at this trusted local clinic have served Columbia County residents since 1975. They provide everything from routine examinations and cleanings to cosmetic dentistry services. Call (518) 672-4077 to schedule an appointment, and visit them online to learn more about their services.