Aren’t Brushing and Flossing Enough to Keep Your Mouth Healthy?
It would make life easier if that were the case. If you look in the mirror and open your mouth, do you notice how much of the surface area is not actually teeth?
Bacteria hang out on the hard and soft tissues in your mouth. This includes your teeth, tongue, gums, and even your cheeks. Imagine putting a piece of clear tape on a dusty surface. The dust particles have nowhere to go because they are trapped. The same thing happens as bacteria gather on the tongue.
Papillae are tiny bumps on the surface of the tongue. While these come in handy for tasting, they make the perfect hiding spot for bacteria and tiny food particles. Unfortunately, when this layer of bacteria stays trapped, bad breath (halitosis) is often the result. It is common for the tongue to appear to have a thin white film covering the surface.
What Happens When You Skip the Tongue Cleaning?
Those pearly white teeth can expect the tongue to redeposit bacteria on tooth surfaces and gums. This allows for the bacteria to take hold quickly and begin to build-up, potentially causing gum disease, decay, and tooth loss. Be careful of products promising to get rid of all bacteria.
Mouthwash is great as part of a dental hygiene routine, but it only destroys the outer layer of the bacteria. This means that the underlying bacteria are exposed, but very much alive. It is essential that you physically remove the entirety of the biofilm (sticky coat of bacteria).
How Do You Remove This Biofilm From the Tongue?
Cleaning your tongue does not need to be complex. Your toothbrush will do the trick if used properly. Be sure to brush your tongue first, then rinse your mouth and toothbrush before cleaning your teeth.
Your other option is to use a tongue scraper. Start by sticking your tongue out and placing the scraper at the very back of the tongue. Use a steady hand and even pressure to “scrape” the surface of the tongue from back to front. Rinse and repeat, being sure to only scrape from back to front to avoid swallowing the bacteria.
Imagine fresh breath, improved oral health, and even an improved taste experience. Brushing your tongue twice a day as part of your regular dental hygiene routine will help remove bacteria before it can cause halitosis.
Drs. Michelle and Scott Weninger believe in teaching patients the importance of ridding the mouth of harmful bacteria. Have you been cleaning your tongue regularly, but you still struggle with bad breath, it’s time to schedule an appointment at Weninger Dentistry to look for other potential causes. Hidden cavities and decay may be lurking out of sight. Trust your Tampa dentists to solve the mystery of the bad breath that won’t go away.