Does It Matter What I Use to Brush My Tongue?

Posted on 7/15/2024 by Madison Family Dental

If you want to start practicing good oral hygiene, you may want to think about brushing your tongue. Brushing your tongue is one of the best ways to get rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth. Like everything else concerning your mouth, you will need a tool to clean your tongue. Here are some suggestions for caring for your tongue.

Why Do I Have to Clean My Tongue?

Your tongue is one of the most important muscles in your body. It helps you eat and speak, and it allows you to sleep without worrying about choking. While your tongue is vital for your health, it is also a magnet for bacteria. The bacteria you have in your mouth all the time can congregate on your tongue, increasing the chances you will have tooth caries and periodontal disease. If you clean your tongue while flossing and brushing your teeth, you lower the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which lowers your cavity and gum disease risk.

Tongue Cleaning Tools

If you want to begin cleaning your tongue, you can use a soft toothbrush. Do not brush your teeth with a hard-bristled toothbrush because you can injure your taste buds. To brush your tongue, you can use regular toothpaste, toothpaste designed specifically for your tongue, or a mixture of four parts water and one part hydrogen peroxide. Begin at the back of your tongue, and brush your tongue from back to front. Be sure to rinse with water after you finish brushing your tongue.

Another option for cleaning your tongue is to use a tongue brush. Tongue brushes have a handle that is similar to toothbrushes, but the head of the toothbrush for tongues is smaller and flatter than a regular toothbrush.

There are also tongue scrapers that you can use in place of a toothbrush. Instead of having a brush, tongue scrapers have a loop or half circle that scrapes the bacteria and mucus off your tongue without damaging your taste buds.

Not sure which tongue-cleaning tool to use? We can help. Why not give our office a call today to set up your next appointment?

Madison:

5709 Odana Road,
Madison, WI 53719

608-274-5970

Hours

Mon - Thurs: 7 am - 6 pm
Friday: 7 am - 2 pm

DeForest

502 Nelson Court,
DeForest, WI 53532

608-846-3302

Hours

Monday: 8 am - 5 pm
Tuesday: 7 am - 4 pm
Wednesday: 8 am - 5 pm
Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm
Friday: Closed

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