Our parents have told us to do this a million times – “brush your teeth for 2 minutes once when you wake up & right before you go to sleep.” But, how often have we been told to brush our tongues? Do we really even need to?
Why Brush Your Tongue?
Brushing your teeth is vitally important to your overall health – not just orally. We all know that. But what you probably overlook is the need to brush your tongue as well. Your tongue is home to millions of little bacteria as well, so just brushing your teeth doesn’t really cut it in the sanitation department. Just because your tongue cant grow plaque or get a cavity from not being cleaned regularly, your tongue is still just as much a bacteria playground as the rest of your mouth can be.
Brushing your tongue is important also to maintaining fresh breath. If you’re noticing stinky breath in the morning or through out the day, your mouth could be telling you something, and it’s probably saying just how much your tongue is in need of a deep cleaning.
Don’t Rely On Mouthwash
Many people think mouth wash is a sufficient cleaner for your tongue, and while mouth does kill bacteria, it doesn’t get all of it. If you are relying on mouth wash to clean your mouth and tongue to avoid brushing, you are doing yourself a disservice!
Now, you might be wondering, “Okay then, I’ll start brushing my tongue. But how do I do that?”
Brushing Your Tongue Is Easy
It’s easy, really. So easy that the steps should just be included after you brush your teeth. Simply use your toothbrush to brush from side to side, from the back to the front of your mouth. Be careful not to stick your toothbrush too far back!
These simple brushing techniques are all it takes to keep your mouth, and tongue, bacteria free.
Have questions about brushing your tongue, or oral hygiene in general? Give us a call at (602) 595-3600 today to speak to one of our experts!
