Posted on 06/05/2017
When it comes to oral hygiene, many individuals will typically just focus on their teeth, not realizing the disservice they may be doing to their mouth. Although brushing and flossing your teeth is a big help in preventing gum disease and tooth decay, it will not get rid of all the harmful bacteria in your mouth. That is why at Main Line Center for Dental Excellence in Narberth, PA our dentists and hygienists strongly encourage our patients to clean their tongues.
WHY THE TONGUE?
The tongue is a hub for bacteria, and attracts most of the bacteria in your mouth. The rough surface, taste buds, and many grooves on the tongue collect bacteria, dead skin cells, and food particles. This bacteria and debris can build up on your tongue, similar to how bacteria can build in between teeth. All this is then covered by a thin layer of mucus.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO CLEAN
Although your tongue can’t get cavities, the bacteria from your tongue can relocate to your teeth and gums in a mere few hours.This bacteria and other debris that accumulate on your tongue can then cause bad breath, a white discoloration of the tongue, cause tooth damage, and promote other dental issues. At our Narberth, PA office, our dentists & hygienists recommend patients to do more than just rinse their mouth. That is because the layer of mucus on the tongue acts as a protective layer, and mouth rinses simply destroy the outer layers, which allows all the debris below to thrive. That is why our Narberth dentists & hygienists encourage patients to physically remove the bacteria through brushing or other cleaning devices.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR TONGUE
Cleaning your tongue is a simple task that will be easy to add to your daily oral hygiene routine. You can purchase a non-costly tongue scraper, use a wet toothbrush, or even use a teaspoon. Whichever tool you use, it is important to brush away from your mouth, so you don’t rub the debris back into your mouth. After you’re done, rinse your mouth with water. Remember to be gentle, because you don’t want to break the skin. If it hurts when you clean your tongue, take a break and try to be more gentle the next time around.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL NARBERTH, PA DENTIST
At Main Line Center for Dental Excellence in Narberth, PA our doctors and staff work hard to provide our patients with a healthy and beautiful smile. If you have any remaining questions or concerns about your oral health, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our doctors know how important it is to choose a dentist that will help you maintain a healthy smile. So schedule an appointment with us today.