Why Tongue Brushing Benefits Your Dental Health

Posted on 8/1/2024 by Timothy H. Kindt DDS

close up of a patient with their tongue stuck out about to clean with a tongue scraper

Nearly half of all adults practice tongue brushing as part of their oral hygiene routine. Tongue brushing may sound strange, but it has benefits for your entire mouth. Here is an explanation of why tongue brushing is essential for your oral health.

About Your Tongue

Your tongue is a strong muscle that helps you swallow food, eat, and speak. Without a tongue, all of these jobs would be impossible. Not only does your tongue make eating and speaking easier, but the taste buds located on your tongue help you enjoy your food. Your tongue is a crucial part of your mouth, and taking care of it is critical for continued oral health because bacteria can become trapped underneath a thin layer of mucus on your tongue, which can lead to tooth and gum issues.

Caring for Your Tongue

There are several ways to care for your tongue. One of the best ways to do this is to brush it while you brush and floss your teeth. If you want to brush your tongue, you can either use a small amount of your usual toothpaste or a solution of five parts water and one part hydrogen peroxide. Some people prefer to use toothpaste specifically formulated for cleaning their tongues.

If you are going to use a toothbrush to clean your tongue, you need to start at the back of your throat and gently brush your tongue from back to front. After you have brushed all of your tongue, you need to rinse it off with water.

Many people choose to clean their tongues using a tongue scraper or tongue brush. A tongue scraper has a handle like a toothbrush with a loop or a curved scraper. Tongue brushes have a small toothbrush head with soft bristles for the tongue. Usually, tongue brushes are circular or square, and they are flatter than traditional toothbrushes.

Not sure you are practicing effective oral hygiene? We can help. Why not give our office a call today to set up your next appointment with our dentist?

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Timothy H. Kindt, DDS, 1244 N Greenfield Road, Suite 105, Mesa, AZ 85205 + (480) 939-5818 + drkindt.com + 9/15/2024 + Related Phrases: Dentist Mesa AZ +