Billions of bacteria live in your mouth. And about 50% like to call your tongue home.
Why? Because the tongue rough surface offers lots of real estate for bacteria to hide out. It’s an easy place for bacteria to access any lingering food debris within your mouth.
While most of the bacteria in your mouth have hardworking jobs like protecting the health of your teeth, some bacteria are merely there to hang out and disrupt the peace. This “bad” bacteria works away at the enamel of your teeth, causing cavities, and it can also promote gum inflammation – gum disease. This bad bacteria is always looking for opportunities to tip the bacteria eco-system in your mouth.
So, what’s a great way to keep the bad bacteria under control, and restore a harmonious bacteria ecosystem? Brush your tongue.
Brushing your tongue twice a day offers some great benefits – some of these benefits might surprise you! But how exactly should you brush your tongue? Here’s how!
Here’s How to Brush Your Tongue!
After you brush and floss your teeth, there are 2 ways to keep your tongue clean. Use either a toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
Brush Your Tongue With a Toothbrush
The “old school” approach.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Place a small amount of toothpaste on your brush.
- Begin towards the back of your tongue and gently brush forward.
- Use a back-and-forth motion, like brushing your teeth – gentle, but firm pressure.
Use a Tongue Scraper
Usually made of metal or plastic, and they are designed to fit the natural shape of the tongue. When it comes to keeping your tongue clean, some studies say that a scraper reduces bacteria by about 30% more.
- Place the scraper towards the back of the tongue and pull it forward towards the front.
- Be Gentle, and don’t press the scraper too forcefully.
- Move the scraper across your tongue at different angles for multiple times.
- Remove any excess food or debris from your tongue by rinsing your mouth with water.
- After every use, remove or rinse the tongue scraper so it stays sanitary & clean.
Giving your tongue a little love as part of your daily oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing can help you maintain a healthy balance of bacteria within your mouth. It can help you fight off cavities, lower your risk of getting gum disease, and also keep your breath fresh.
Speaking of fresh air, if you have bad breath, no matter what you do, it could be do to chronic dry mouth, or some other health related issues. Please let us know! We can help diagnose it, and offer you some treatment options. Just give us a call at (206) 524-1000 or reach out to us online!