Bad Breath? Try Brushing Your Tongue

Your family dental provider in Blue Ash and Cincinnati will never get tired of reminding you to brush your teeth regularly. But should you be brushing your tongue too? Generally, yes. Here’s why your tongue needs attention during your dental hygiene routine.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Tongue When Brushing

The surface of your tongue has layers of tiny bumps called papillae. The crevices in between are little pockets that collect bacteria, dead skin cells, and food particles. The bacteria can redeposit on your teeth and gums, leading to plaque buildup.

It’s easy to forget to brush your tongue. Need some motivation? Brushing it will eliminate tongue bacteria, which literally stinks. It’s one of the biggest reasons people have bad breath. It also increases the risk of plaque, cavities, and tooth pain that often require restorative intervention.

But I Rinse! Doesn’t That Help?

Yes, mouthwash rinses will help, but that’s just scratching the surface. While mouthwash and saltwater rinses can kill bacteria on the surface, they often miss the bacteria that reside inside those tongue pockets. To be effective, you need to get in there and really scrub. It’s like washing a dish. It will become a little cleaner with the sprayer, but to get it completely clean, you’ll need a bit of elbow grease.

How Should I Brush My Tongue?

There are two methods of tongue cleaning: brushing and scraping. For brushing, it’s best with a moist toothbrush. After you’ve cleaned your teeth, spit out the excess toothpaste, but don’t rinse. This way, you’ll still have a light layer of toothpaste on your tongue while you brush. Thoroughly brush your tongue, cheeks, and even the roof of your mouth.

If brushing your tongue gives you a gag reflex, you can also try a tongue scraper, which is available at most drugstores. The scraper glides along your tongue’s surface and scrapes off the mucus. Scrape from the back of your tongue towards the front. Rinse the scraper and repeat. Be sure to clean the scraper when you’re done.

Regardless of your method, it’s a good idea to clean your tongue daily. You can do it before or after flossing.

When to See Your Cincinnati Family Dentist

A clean tongue should be bright pink. If it’s black and hairy, or white and bumpy, it likely has a high concentration of bacteria. If you notice any issues that persist, contact us at Beckham Square Family Dental. We can determine if there’s something more serious going on. At the very least, you may benefit from a professional cleaning service from your local provider.