What Do You Mean You're Not Brushing Your Tongue?

You might be diligent about brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash, and scheduling your routine cleanings, but there's one element of oral hygiene often overlooked: brushing your tongue. While it might seem minor, neglecting your tongue can impact your oral health more than expected. And if you don’t currently brush your tongue, don’t worry: it’s never too late to start! 

Read on as Brian Goodman, DDS, Tanner Goodman, DDS, and the team at Goodman Dental Center in Queen Creek, Arizona, explore why it's essential to brush your tongue and how to get started.

The importance of tongue brushing

We get it 一 no one talks about brushing their tongue, so if you missed the memo, you’re not alone. Many people might feel awkward talking about brushing or scraping their tongue, but there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone needs to clean their tongue! Because your tongue is covered in biofilm (a sticky layer of bacteria and other microorganisms), rinsing alone isn’t enough to remove it.

Tongue brushing removes this layer of biofilm and can help:

Combat bad breath

One of the primary reasons to brush your tongue is to combat bad breath. Your tongue is a prime breeding ground for bacteria, food particles, and dead cells. When left unchecked, these elements can lead to foul-smelling breath thanks to the odor-causing bacteria. Regular tongue brushing helps remove these odor-causing culprits and keeps your breath fresh.

Improve your taste sensation

The taste buds on your tongue can become coated with debris over time, diminishing your ability to taste food properly. Brushing your tongue can help maintain the sensitivity of your taste buds so that you can enjoy the flavors of your favorite foods.

Reduce your risk of oral infections

Bacteria and other microorganisms on your tongue can contribute to oral infections and diseases, including gum disease and oral thrush. Brushing your tongue as part of your oral care routine can reduce the risk of these issues and promote overall gum health.

Improve the appearance of your tongue

Your tongue can have a white or thick coating if you don’t clean it often. Brushing your tongue can remove the coating and improve the appearance of your tongue.

How to brush your tongue 

Now that you understand the importance of tongue brushing, here's how to do it effectively:

• Choose a soft-bristle toothbrush
• Apply a small amount of toothpaste to your brush
• Gently reach toward the back of your tongue, starting from the tip of your tongue 
• Use gentle strokes to remove debris and bacteria
• Avoid pressing too hard since that can cause discomfort and activate a gag reflex
• Rinse your mouth 
• Always rinse your toothbrush thoroughly 

Some people prefer to use a tongue scraper instead of a brush. To use a tongue scraper, follow these steps:

• Begin by placing the scraper at the back of your tongue
• Gently and firmly, drag the scraper forward toward the tip of your tongue 
• Repeat this scraping motion two to three times, rinsing the scraper after each pass
• Finish by rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water
• Always clean your cleaner, dry it thoroughly, and never share it with family members

Add tongue brushing to your routine

Don't overlook the importance of tongue brushing in your daily oral care routine. It's a simple yet effective way to combat bad breath, enhance your sense of taste, reduce the risk of oral infections, and improve your overall oral hygiene. So, the next time you pick up your toothbrush, don't forget to give your tongue the attention it deserves - your mouth will thank you!

Questions? You can book an appointment over the phone or through our online scheduling tool.