Remember to Clean Your Tongue – Advice from your Northbrook Dentist

Everyone knows that brushing and flossing regularly is a vital part of good oral hygiene, but not that many people are aware of the importance of cleaning your tongue. As your Northbrook dentist, Dr. Kacel will tell you, “Don’t forget about your tongue!” A healthy tongue is an important part of a healthy mouth, and you want to keep it in good shape because this is the muscle that you use to eat, taste, and talk, among other things.

Nearly half of the bacteria on your mouth can be found on your tongue, so don’t stop cleaning after you brush. In fact, if you want to avoid bad breath, cleaning your tongue is of utmost importance since the vast majority of halitosis comes from your tongue. Having a clean tongue helps your mouth stay healthy and can make for an easier visit the next time you go to our Northbrook dental office.

When it comes to cleaning your tongue there are three options: a tongue scraper, a tongue brush, and your toothbrush. A tongue scraper is made of soft plastic or occasionally metal. You use it by scraping from the back of the tongue to the front, removing a thin layer of mucus. Be sure to rinse it off after each scrape. A tongue brush has thin bristles that are designed to clean the crevices on your tongue. Again start from the back and brush forward, rinsing the brush off thoroughly when you are done. According to your dentist in Northbrook, IL, a toothbrush can be used in a similar manner to a tongue brush, however it is specifically designed to clean your teeth and might not get your tongue as clean as the other tools.

You may be surprised at how much cleaner and more fresh your mouth feels after simply cleaning your tongue once or twice a day. Not only that, but your breath will smell much better. Your Northbrook dentist recommends cleaning your tongue regularly to decrease the amount of dangerous bacteria in your mouth and to prevent halitosis.

For answers to any other any other questions about how to clean your tongue or inquiries about any other aspect of oral health, reach out to Steven Kacel, DDS, MAGD, FADI and his friendly staff who will happily answer any questions you may have. Call (847) 457-0400 to make an appointment today