Should You Brush Your Tongue?

While brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing them at least once is accepted as common basic oral hygiene practice, is it also necessary to direct your toothbrush to your tongue? After all, it’s right there, and you’re in the neighborhood! At the very least, it will help freshen your breath even more!

As you can tell, our answer is “yes,” but with qualifications. There are two methods for cleaning the tongue: brushing and scraping. For those considering - or already performing - the former, be aware that brushing the tongue requires a different technique from brushing teeth to prevent making small cuts into its delicate tissue. Knowing the proper technique for both methods is the key to success. More about each method a little later!

Next, having some background on the reasons for paying attention to your tongue can explain why adding this step to your daily regimen is beneficial. Brushing or scraping the tongue is an ancient Ayurvedic (traditional Indian medicine) self-care practice that has been performed for centuries throughout many countries. However, its popularity in the United States is relatively recent, as people become more proactive in their oral health.

Your Tongue is Covered in Bacteria

Limiting your oral hygiene to brushing and flossing your teeth misses all of the bacteria hiding within the tiny, rough surfaces of your tongue.

“Bacteria will accumulate greatly in the areas of the tongue between the taste buds and other tongue structures,” says John D. Kling, DDS, of Alexandria, Virginia, in Healthline. “It’s not smooth. There are crevices and elevations all over the tongue, and the bacteria will hide in these areas unless it is removed.”

This bacteria forms a biofilm (a group of microorganisms) that stick together on the surface of the tongue. Removing it isn’t as simple as drinking water or using mouthwash.

“It’s difficult to kill the bacteria in the biofilm because, for example, when mouth rinses are used, only the outer cells of the biofilm are destroyed,” says Kling. “The cells beneath the surface still thrive.”

These bacteria can lead to bad breath and even promote decay on the inner surfaces of the teeth. For this reason, it’s necessary to physically remove the bacteria by brushing or scraping your tongue.

As Healthline also mentions, a buildup of excess debris can cause your tongue to take on a white, coated appearance. Daily brushing or scraping can remove this coating and prevent it from returning. Another benefit is that it will improve your sense of taste!

Brush or Scrape – Which is Better?

Although some clinical studies tend to indicate that scraping is more effective, this is mainly a matter of personal preference, as additional research needs to be done. If you choose to brush, you can use a standard soft-bristle toothbrush, or a special brush designed specifically for the tongue. However, Colgate recommends a tongue brush. This typically has a wider surface area than a toothbrush, with fine nylon bristles to reach within the crevices of the tongue’s surface. Some brands incorporate a tongue scraper.

“Due to the differences between the tongue's surface and tooth enamel, toothbrushes may not clean the tongue as thoroughly as you'd like them to. The tongue's surface may feel soft against your teeth, but it is quite rough and covered with tiny crevices, making it easy for bacteria to hide. The first job of toothbrushes isn't handling these little spaces; it's to clean the hard, smooth surface of tooth enamel and reach into much larger grooves.”

Tongue scrapers are curved to fit the shape of your tongue, and can be made of plastic or metal. One major advantage of a metal (usually stainless steel) scraper is that it will last indefinitely. It will never need to be replaced - unless lost - and therefore is better for the environment, for those who are concerned about the environmental impact of the products they use. Again, some brands incorporate both a scraper and a brush, so shop around to see which best appeals to you.

Effective Techniques for Brushing and Scraping Your Tongue

This really isn’t complicated, but using the right technique for either method will achieve the best result. Colgate provides the following steps.

To brush the tongue:

To scrape the tongue:

Follow up either type of cleaning with a mouthwash. Of course, rinse your brush or scraper after each use. To kill germs and bacteria, soak in an antibacterial mouthwash for about five minutes. By the way, this is also good advice for keeping your toothbrush clean!

Because you’re including this in your regular oral care routine, brush or scrape your tongue when you brush your teeth. If you’re pressed for time in the morning, do it at night.

Here’s a note of caution. If you’re motivated to brush or scrape your tongue because of persistent bad breath, it may have other causes - such as tooth decay, infections in your mouth, nose, sinuses, or throat; medications; diabetes or other serious health issues. Scheduling regular checkups with your dentist will provide a timely diagnosis of dental issues so they can be treated quickly, and/or a recommendation to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.

Now that you know the benefits of brushing or scraping your tongue, you’ll do an even better job in maintaining your oral - and by extension your overall - health! Of course, your dentist is your partner in keeping your teeth and gums healthy for life. At NK Family Dental, it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our practice is trusted for advanced oral surgery procedures and comfortable root canal treatment.

Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our endodontist, Dr. Sabek, and our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh. Dr. Danesh is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. He has contributed to the publication of two books, as well as published over 20 papers in prestigious dental research journals.

We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we accept all major PPO plans for dental insurance and also offer our in-house dental plan. Please see our financing page for more information.

We serve the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Wicker Park with the dedication that’s earned us the reputation as the Best Dentist in Chicago!

Schedule your visit through ZocDoc, or contact us directly. We look forward to treating you soon!

Is it Really that Important to Floss?

Flossing is an important step to full oral hygiene. However, many people tend to slack when it comes to daily flossing—if they even floss at all. It may seem tedious to floss every night, but it can be a very quick process once you are in the habit of it. Routine flossing can save you from major oral problems down the road. Let’s look at the benefits of flossing, how to avoid discomfort and how to make flossing just another regular step in your oral care routine.

Benefits of Flossing

You may have heard before from your dentist that flossing can reduce your risk for developing gingivitis and other gum disease. But how much does it really matter? The truth is, flossing matters a whole lot.

Bacteria buildup is what causes gum diseases like gingivitis, and bacteria that builds up in your mouth from small food particles stuck in your teeth can cause serious damage. Plaque, which forms as a result of poor oral hygiene, can have more than one thousand types of bacteria that reside in your mouth. This bacteria can also lead to cavities, particularly in places that don’t get as clean from brushing alone—such as between the teeth. Not to mention, a lack of flossing can lead to halitosis, which is the medical term for bad breath and is also caused by bacteria.

At its most severe, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which causes bacteria from your mouth to travel throughout your body, affecting vital functions such as your cardiovascular system. Individuals with diabetes are especially susceptible to developing periodontal disease, and pregnant women with periodontal disease increase their risk of delivering low-weight newborns.

Adding flossing to your oral care routine can drastically decrease your risk for all of these conditions. A simple extra minute or two a day can save you from stress and discomfort later on.

How to Avoid Bleeding Gums and Pain When Flossing

If it’s been a while since you last flossed your teeth, there’s a higher chance you may experience some bleeding and irritated gums when you do. This can be a deterrent for people to keep up regular flossing. However, gums that quickly become inflamed or bleed easily are likely experiencing bacteria buildup, which means you are in even more need of flossing. Don’t be too deterred by bleeding and slightly irritated gums when you first try flossing again. The best way to avoid bleeding gums and pain when flossing is to keep up a regular flossing routine, as your gum health will soon improve over time. If pain and bleeding persist, however, talk to your dentist about causes and treatment.

How to Make Flossing a Part of Your Daily Routine

It may seem tedious to remember to floss your teeth every day, but very soon, it won’t even require a second thought. The best time to floss is at night, immediately after brushing your teeth and right before you go to bed. This guarantees that all food particles built up throughout the day will be cleared out and won’t have the opportunity to build up harmful bacteria overnight.

Your daily routine should look something like this:

  1. Brush in the morning for two minutes with an antimicrobial fluoride toothpaste.
  2. Use a therapeutic mouthwash.
  3. Stay hydrated throughout the day.
  4. Avoid unnecessary snacks.
  5. Brush your teeth at night in the same way as the morning.
  6. Floss thoroughly with a waxed floss, holding the floss around each tooth in a curved shape while moving back and forth while also up and down between teeth.
  7. Use mouthwash again.
  8. Get a good night’s rest and start again!

 

Additionally, keep your floss within sight at your bathroom sink to make sure you don’t forget. It may also be helpful to carry around floss or a handful of dental flossers with you during the day, as well. You never know when you might eat something that gets stuck between your teeth!

Keeping Your Mouth Clean

While daily flossing is an essential part to a good oral hygiene routine, it’s even more important to make semi-annual visits to the dentist. Your dentist will be able to check for any potential signs of gum disease and other oral health conditions. Additionally, a dentist will be able to provide and advise you on ongoing treatment options.

Visit NK Family Dental for you and your family’s Chicago dentist needs. If it’s been a while since your last dental check-up, contact us to schedule your next appointment!