Many people understand the importance of brushing and flossing regularly to prevent cavities. While often neglected, your tongue plays a major role in oral function, and you should clean it regularly.
Poor tongue hygiene can lead to several consequences that can harm oral and overall health. This article discusses how bacteria buildup can harm your mouth, why your tongue can turn white, and how to incorporate proper tongue-cleaning habits into your oral hygiene routine.
Your mouth naturally has millions of bad and good bacteria. These bacteria overgrow and multiply when you don’t clean your mouth well. They can mix with saliva and other debris to form a clear, sticky biofilm known as plaque that accumulates on your teeth, tongue, and gum line. If not cleaned promptly, plaque hardens to tartar, a bacterial deposit that’s very stubborn to clean and might require professional cleaning.
Over time, these bacterial plaque and tartar release chemicals that can:
Regular brushing and flossing and routine dental checkups and cleanings can help minimize the amount of plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth, lowering your risk of these complications. Seek prompt treatment for decay and gum disease near you.
Many factors, like smoking, burns, certain medical conditions, and dry mouth, can cause a white coating on your tongue. However, if the coating is thick and covers a significant portion of the tongue, it’s most likely caused by bacterial buildup. While the coating might not cause any symptoms initially, it can when left uncleaned for longer periods. Therefore, cleaning or seeking dental care is essential to address the issues and prevent future complications.
Dental experts recommend cleaning your tongue at least twice daily when brushing your teeth for optimal oral health. Fortunately, cleaning your tongue is straightforward and only takes a few seconds. Below are some tips for cleaning your tongue:
Brushing or cleaning your teeth, gums, and tongue daily can help reduce bacterial buildup in the mouth, lowering your risk of total issues like gum disease, oral thrush, tooth decay, and bad breath. A healthy mouth maintains a functional and beautiful smile and promotes good overall well-being and quality of life.
In addition to regular brushing and flossing, below are additional tips for maintaining optimal oral health:
For more details and tips on maintaining good oral hygiene and health, contact New Vision Dentistry to book your appointment with our dentist in Citrus Heights.
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