The Importance of Remembering to Brush Your Tongue

The importance of brushing our teeth is well-known and often talked about. Everyone knows that regularly brushing their teeth will remove decay, bacteria, and plaque, while making sure to keep the breath fresh and decreasing the risk of dental disease and cavities. However, you may not know the importance of remembering to brush your tongue as well.

Making sure your tongue is clean will go a long way toward improving breath and will brush away any bacteria living on your tongue, which could easily transfer to your tooth enamel after you’ve brushed your teeth. Any food or beverage you consume touches your tongue as well as your teeth, and the warm, moist environment your tongue provides is ideal for growing bacteria.

Brushing Your Tongue

When brushing your tongue, make sure that you brush from front to back. You can choose to brush your tongue with or without toothpaste but adding toothpaste may help to improve your breath. Always rinse your toothbrush after brushing your tongue to rinse away any bacteria left over on the brush.

Below are a few other benefits of making sure to brush your tongue properly:

• Reducing the chances of tooth decay
• Preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar
• Avoiding a sore throat
• Ridding the mouth of the bacteria that can cause strep throat
• Lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke

Here at Endodontic Specialists of Colorado, we also want to emphasize the importance of practicing other methods of good oral hygiene. In addition to brushing your tongue, you should also be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing every day, and visiting your general dentist for regular dental cleanings and exams.

For more information about dental root canal treatment, endodontic treatment, root canal infection or to make an appointment at one of our three locations, please contact Endodontic Specialists located in Colorado Springs North and Pueblo, Colorado.