Importance of Brushing Your Tongue on a Daily Basis
Posted on 6/2/2025 by Northstar Dental
Everyone knows how important brushing your teeth is for maintaining good oral health. But did you know that brushing your tongue is just as important?
Your tongue harbors millions of bacteria, some of which can contribute to bad breath, plaque buildup, and even gum disease. These bacteria can also cause taste disturbances and contribute to a dry mouth.
Brushing your tongue is an essential part of Oral Care. It helps to remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that can build up on the surface of your tongue. This can help prevent bad breath, improve your sense of taste, and keep your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Benefits of Brushing Your Tongue
In addition to improving your breath and taste, there are several other benefits to brushing your tongue:
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Reduced risk of cavities: Bacteria that build up on your tongue can contribute to tooth decay. Brushing your tongue helps to remove these bacteria and keep your teeth healthy.
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Improved gum health: Just like your teeth, your gums can also be affected by bacteria. Brushing your tongue helps to remove bacteria that can cause gum disease.
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Fresher breath: One of the most noticeable benefits of brushing your tongue is fresher breath. Bacteria on your tongue can produce sulfur-containing compounds that contribute to bad breath. Brushing your tongue helps to remove these bacteria and keep your breath smelling fresh.
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Improved taste: Bacteria on your tongue can also interfere with your sense of taste. Brushing your tongue helps to remove these bacteria and improve your ability to taste food.
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Reduced risk of dry mouth: Saliva helps to keep your mouth moist and healthy. Bacteria on your tongue can interfere with saliva production, leading to dry mouth. Brushing your tongue helps to stimulate saliva production and reduce the risk of dry mouth.
How to Brush Your Tongue
Brushing your tongue is easy and should only take a few seconds. Here's how to do it:
1~
Wet your toothbrush. Wet your toothbrush and apply a small amount of toothpaste.
2~
Stick out your tongue. Stick out your tongue as far as you can comfortably.
3~
Brush your tongue. Starting at the back of your tongue, gently brush forward with short, even strokes. Don't scrub too hard, as this can irritate your tongue.
4~
Rinse your mouth. Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.
You can brush your tongue as often as you brush your teeth, typically twice a day.
Tips for Brushing Your Tongue
Here are a few additional tips for brushing your tongue:
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Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. A soft-bristled toothbrush will be less likely to irritate your tongue.
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Don't brush too hard. Be gentle when brushing your tongue, as you don't want to damage the delicate tissues.
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If you gag easily, start by brushing the front of your tongue. This will help you get used to the sensation of brushing your tongue.
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Use a tongue scraper. A tongue scraper can be used to remove bacteria and debris from the back of your tongue, where it can be difficult to reach with a toothbrush.
Conclusion
Brushing your tongue is an important part of maintaining good oral health. It helps to remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that can build up on the surface of your tongue. This can help prevent bad breath, improve your sense of taste, and keep your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
By adding tongue brushing to your daily oral care routine, you can take an important step towards a healthier and happier smile.
Dental Blog - Lakewood, CO • Northstar Dental The doctors at Northstar Dental have provided this informative dental blog to provide education and information for the Lakewood and great Denver Colorado community. Click to view the latest posts. Northstar Dental, 860 Tabor St, Ste 100, Lakewood, CO 80401 | (303) 481-3901 | northstardentalco.com | 6/21/2025 | Key Phrases: dentist Lakewood CO |
Everyone knows how important brushing your teeth is for maintaining good oral health. But did you know that brushing your tongue is just as important?