Is Tongue Cleaning Important While Brushing?
Brushing and flossing are intrinsic parts of our daily health routine. However, while practicing this routine, we also tend to clean our tongues, and it has been a habit for many years. Many people need clarification about whether it is important to clean our tongues or not. So, if you have a similar question, then we will discuss this basic habit and its importance in this article.
Most people clean their tongues to prevent bad breath and remove any white coating. However, there are other factors associated with tongue cleaning, which we will discuss in this article. If you are in Cary and want to know more about the tongue cleaning procedure and its importance, you can consult a Cary orthodontist.
Is Tongue Cleaning Important?
Tongue cleaning is a popular habit that we add after brushing our teeth, and it has become a part of people’s dental hygiene. Some research proves that tongue cleaning has various benefits. It is essential because there are bacteria in the mouth that multiply rapidly, and it can take place on the tongue, too. Therefore, it is recommended that you try to reduce the bacteria load by cleaning the tongue twice a day. So, yes, when we talk about oral hygiene, it is equally important for us to clean our tongues effectively.
How to Clean Our Tongue?
One can use a toothbrush or other tongue-cleaning tools to clean it. However, one must not be hard while using them, as this can lead to bleeding and scratches on the tongue.
Tongue Brushing
You can brush your tongue while brushing your teeth. While you are brushing your teeth and gums, you can use the same brush to clean your tongue, too. Once you are done brushing your teeth, put some more toothpaste on your brush and clean your tongue with it. You must not be hard while cleaning your tongue, and there must be gentle pressure.
People sometimes make the common mistake of avoiding tongue cleaning, which can lead to bacteria formation in the mouth. This bacteria can lead to various issues with the gums and teeth, such as cavities, gingivitis, and other such problems. Therefore, you must clean your tongue while brushing.
Tongue Scrapers
Scrapers are generally u-shaped plastic or metal objects with handles that are used as an oral hygiene tool to clean the coating on the upper surface of the tongue. You have to put the scraper at the back of the tongue and press gently to move the scraper and clean the tongue. You can repeat this process and make a habit of cleaning the tongue at least twice a day. You must make sure that you use scrapers that do not have sharp edges so that it is easy for you to clean the tongue.
Apart from these tools, there are some natural tongue cleaners, such as sea salt. You can gargle with sea salt and warm water to ensure that the bacteria is removed from the mouth. It acts as an antibacterial agent. Coconut oil also acts as a natural antibacterial element. So, you can use it and rinse it well to clean your tongue. You can also focus on your diet to avoid any bacteria formation in the mouth. For instance, you should reduce the intake of sugar elements that can increase the bacteria level in the mouth.
However, the conclusion is that you have to clean your teeth, gums, and tongue to maintain your oral health. You cannot ignore one factor and expect your dental hygiene to be great. However, if you face any issues, then you can consult an expert doctor for better treatment.