When it comes to dental hygiene, brushing our teeth is a pretty common habit. We all know that we should brush at least twice a day and floss once a day to keep our teeth healthy and free of cavities. But have you ever thought about brushing your tongue?.

Many of us neglect to brush our tongue as a part of our daily dental hygiene routine. However, the tongue can harbor a lot of bacteria that can lead to bad breath and even impact our overall health.

What Happens When You Don’t Brush Your Tongue?

Not brushing your tongue can lead to bad breath, also known as halitosis.

Our mouths are full of bacteria, and when we don’t brush or floss, these bacteria can grow and thrive, causing a sticky film called plaque to build up on our teeth and tongue.

The bacteria in plaque feed on sugar and produce acids that can lead to tooth decay. When the bacteria aren’t removed, they can also cause gum disease and other oral health issues.

Additionally, the bacteria on the tongue can produce sulfur compounds that lead to bad breath.

Benefits of Brushing Your Tongue

Brushing your tongue has many benefits, including improving your breath and overall oral health. Here are some of the key benefits of including tongue brushing in your dental hygiene routine:.

1. Fresher Breath

As we mentioned earlier, bacteria on the tongue can lead to bad breath. When you brush your tongue, you can remove these bacteria and improve your breath.

2. Better Oral Health

Brushing your tongue can also help remove bacteria and prevent plaque buildup. This can lead to better oral health and reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.

3. Improved Sense of Taste

The taste buds on our tongues can become blocked by bacteria, which can affect our ability to taste and enjoy food. By brushing your tongue, you can remove these bacteria and improve your sense of taste.

4. Promotes General Health

Recent research has linked poor oral health to a number of general health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Brushing your tongue could help prevent these health issues by reducing the overall bacteria in your mouth.

How to Brush Your Tongue

Brushing your tongue is a quick and easy step to add to your daily dental hygiene routine. Here’s how to do it:.

1. Use a Tongue Scraper or Toothbrush

You can use a tongue scraper or toothbrush to clean your tongue. Both are effective, so it’s up to you which one you prefer. Some toothbrushes have a tongue cleaner built-in on the back of the brush head.

2. Apply Toothpaste (Optional)

While it’s not necessary, some people prefer to apply toothpaste to their tongue before brushing. This can help freshen your breath and improve the overall taste in your mouth.

3. Brush Your Tongue

Starting at the back of your tongue, use gentle pressure to brush forward. Move side to side as you go, covering as much of your tongue as possible. Don’t forget the sides and tip of your tongue as well.

4. Rinse Your Mouth

After brushing your tongue, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Repeat this process twice a day for a fresher, healthier mouth.

Conclusion

Brushing your tongue is an easy way to improve your oral health and reduce your risk of bad breath. It only takes a few seconds, so why not include it in your daily dental hygiene routine?.