Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Dr. R. Lindsey Dalley, D.D.S

(702) 877-2771

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet The Dentist
    • Meet The Staff
    • Press Releases
      • Las Vegas Dentist One In A Million
      • Las Vegas Dentist Completes Advanced Training
      • Lvi Congratulations
      • Advanced Restorative Dentistry
      • Advanced Aesthetics Training
      • Advanced Occlusal Principles
      • Aesthetic Reconstruction Studies
      • Full Mouth Reconstruction Studies
      • K7 Training
      • Tmd Developmental Diagnosis Course
  • What We Do
    • Exams And Consultations
    • Dental Cleanings
    • Periodontal Treatment Maintenance
    • Preventative Resin Coatings
    • Tooth Whitening
    • Tooth Straightening
    • Tooth Colored Fillings
    • Cosmetic Bonding
    • Gum Contouring
    • Veneers
    • Onlays
    • Crowns
    • Bridges
    • Implants
    • Rapid Full Mouth Restoration
      • Press Release
    • OSA OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
  • Smile Gallery
    • Before After Library
      • Before After Library Page 2
      • Before After Library Page 3
      • Before After Library Page 4
      • Before After Library Page 5
    • Testimonials
  • Glossary
  • FAQ'S
  • Make An Appointment
    • New Patient Forms
  • Contact Us
  • Self Diagnosis Guide
  • Blog
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • News >
  • Caring for Your Tongue is an Important Part of Good Oral Hygiene

Caring for Your Tongue is an Important Part of Good Oral Hygiene

Caring for Your Tongue is an Important Part of Good Oral Hygiene

Do you brush your tongue after you clean your teeth? If you don't, you may increase your risk of tooth decay and bad breath. Regular tongue brushing or scraping is a simple way to keep your smile healthy.

Why It's Important to Keep Your Tongue Clean

Brushing your teeth twice a day is the best way to get rid of plaque, a sticky, bacterial film that causes tooth decay. Unfortunately, brushing your teeth doesn't remove all of the bacteria in your mouth. Your rough tongue contains plenty of nooks and crannies that provide the perfect hiding place for the germs. If you don't brush or scrape your tongue, the bacteria will migrate to your teeth soon after you finish brushing, which may increase your risk of tooth decay.

In a Japanese study, research participants who cleaned their tongues daily had less bacteria in their mouths than those who didn't make brushing a daily habit. The study appeared in the January 2014 issue of BMC Oral Health.

Bacteria is also a contributing factor in bad breath. Brushing or scraping your tongue offers extra protection against breath odors and also removes food debris that can cause bad breath. Cleaning your tongue every time you brush will help you avoid both bad breath and cavities.

Regular tongue brushing or scraping can also help make mealtime more enjoyable. Bacteria and trapped food debris can coat your taste buds, making flavors less intense. You may also notice a white coating on your tongue if your tongue is covered by bacteria.

The Basics of Brushing and Scraping

Brushing your tongue only adds a few seconds to your oral hygiene routine. Begin brushing at the back of your tongue, using gentle pressure to avoid irritation. Although toothpaste isn't necessary, adding a small dab of the paste may help the brush glide over your tongue easily. Don't forget about the underside of your tongue. Bacteria accumulates there too.

Have you tried brushing your tongue before but stopped because the practice triggered your gag reflex? A tongue scraper may offer a better solution. The device scrapes off bacteria, debris and dead cells without causing discomfort.

Rinse your mouth after you brush or scrape your tongue, then use a little mouthwash. Anti-bacterial mouthwashes will kill any bacteria you might have missed. Look for products that don't contain alcohol, as the ingredient can dry your mouth and cause bad breath.

How to Protect Your Tongue

Regular visits to your dentist are essential for good tongue health. During your visit, your dentist looks for signs that may indicate a health problem, such as lumps or lesions that can occur if you have tongue cancer. Changes in the tongue can also be a symptom of other diseases or conditions. For example, a swollen tongue may occur if you have leukemia or anemia, while a dry, cracked tongue may be a symptom of Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder.

Visiting your dentist every six months is an excellent way to protect your teeth and your tongue. Has it been a while since we've seen you? Give us a call, and we'll schedule a convenient appointment.

Sources:

Colgate: How to Clean Your Tongue and Avoid Bad Breath

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/bad-breath/how-to-clean-your-tongue-and-avoid-bad-breath-1213

Reader’s Digest Best Health: Four Things You Should Know About Tongue Health

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/oral-health/4-things-you-should-know-about-tongue-health/

Healthline: 5 Reasons to Scrape Your Tongue

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/tongue-scraping

BMC Oral Health: Effects of tongue cleaning on bacterial flora in tongue coating and dental plaque: a crossover study

https://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6831-14-4

Cancer Treatment Centers of America: Tongue Cancer

https://www.cancercenter.com/oral-cancer/types/tab/tongue-cancer/

No article settings found. Please configure it

Exclusive Offer

Sign up using the form below or call (702) 877-2771 to make an appointment.

Featured Services

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide

  • Make an Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your home.

Office Hours

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Our Location

Testimonials

Reviews From our Satisfied Patients

  • "Coming Soon . . . ."
    " "

Featured Articles

  • Adaptive Tools Make Oral Hygiene Easier for People with Special Needs

    Is brushing or flossing difficult due to a disability? Your oral health doesn't have to suffer, thanks to a variety of adaptive tools. ...

    Read More
  • Regular Dental Visits Are Crucial to Mouth Cancer Detection

    Are you at risk for mouth cancer? Find out what you can do to protect your health. ...

    Read More
  • Caring for Your Tongue is an Important Part of Good Oral Hygiene

    This simple practice may lower your cavity risk and decrease bad breath. ...

    Read More
  • 5 Things Your Dentist Doesn't Want You to Do

    Are you undermining your dental health with bad habits? Check out this list of five things your dentist wants you to avoid. ...

    Read More
  • My Gums Are Bleeding?

    Think bleeding gums are a minor problem? Think again. ...

    Read More
  • Tips for Whiter Teeth

    Tired of seeing a dull smile when you look in the mirror? Keeping your teeth white may be easier than you think. ...

    Read More
  • How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth

    Would you like to stop grinding your teeth? Try a few of these tips. ...

    Read More
  • Chiro Adjustment

    What's Causing Your Back Pain? Nearly everyone has back pain from time to time. In fact, 60 to 70 percent of people living in industrialized countries have experienced low back pain, according to World Health Organization estimates. Back pain can occur for many reasons, including these common causes. Herniated ...

    Read More
  • Unusual Tooth Paste Flavors

    Eggplant, wasabi, and cupcake-flavored toothpaste offer an alternative to mint, but are they good for you? ...

    Read More
  • Teeth and Altitude

    Do your teeth hurt when you dive or fly? You may have barodontalgia. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Follow Us

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map