Oral Health: Don't Forget the Tongue!

Teeth tend to get the spotlight when it comes to oral health and hygiene, but just focusing on teeth leaves out an important part of a good routine - the tongue! Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist office in southern Missouri, so we know what it takes to keep your mouth in a healthy and happy condition. Today we're diving deeper into oral health and talking about the tongue. Read on to learn more about how to keep your tongue clean and improve your oral hygiene routine.

Bacterial Growth

We all have a certain amount of bacteria in our mouths, some of it good and some of it bad. Good bacteria are there to help protect you from pathogens and illnesses. Bad bacteria are what can cause plaque buildup and tooth decay.

Both kinds of bacteria can grow and build up on your tongue, producing bad smells that are inconvenient and embarrassing. They produce substances that cause malodorous breath, including sulfur. This bad smell can be even worse if there are food particles for the bacteria to feed on. Keep your tongue clean to help limit stinky breath and bad bacterial growth in your mouth.

Healthy Color

When you're brushing your teeth twice a day, it's a good idea to pay attention to the color of your tongue to look for signs of an unhealthy mouth. Your tongue should be a natural, consistent pink color. If there are patches of red, yellow, or white discoloration, then you could have a serious issue that requires medical attention.

If your tongue is a uniform color but has a white film over the top of it, then you may simply need to improve your daily oral hygiene routine. This film is typically a combination of dead cells, food debris, bacteria, and mucus. Cleaning your tongue regularly should help reduce the appearance of this white film and keep your mouth healthier.

Cleaning Your Tongue

Keeping your tongue clean has a lot of important health benefits that include stronger teeth, better breath, less plaque buildup, and more! Make cleaning your tongue a part of your daily routine. Every time you use your toothbrush (which should be at least twice a day), gently brush your tongue with a small amount of toothpaste. This will help break up stuck on bacteria, food debris, etc.

It is also a good idea to take the extra step of using a tongue scraper at the end of your routine. A scraper can help thoroughly remove harmful materials, rather than just loosening them in your mouth. Tongue scrapers are relatively easy to find in most oral hygiene aisles at the drug store. Some are even built-in on the back of toothbrushes.

Visit a Local Missouri Dentist

If you are noticing that your tongue has some discoloration or if your bad breath can't be tamed by any amount of at-home dental care, then it might be time to consult the experts. Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist's office in the Springfield area, and we have the knowledge and experience to help keep your mouth healthy. From your teeth and gums to your tongue, we have you covered! Call to set up an appointment: 1-877-DENTIST

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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