Your tongue is covered with the taste buds that make your favorite foods seem so delicious, so naturally you’ll want to take care to keep it in tiptop condition.
Clean your tongue every time you brush and floss your teeth. If you make it a part of your daily maintenance routine it will become a matter of habit. Use a toothbrush that provides an attachment specifically designed for the purpose of cleaning your tongue, don’t use the same part of the brush that you clean your teeth with. If you prefer to use a tongue scraper be careful not to apply too much pressure. Coating your tongue with toothpaste before scraping or brushing will make it easier to remove the bacteria, just remember to rinse.
Oral bacteria is what causes bad breath. An antibacterial mouthwash can help destroy those germs but too much of it can bring on dry mouth which in turn can give rise to bad breath. Use your mouthwash sparingly, don’t make it a daily practice. You can substitute with a saline solution some of the time.
Your tongue should maintain a healthy pink tone. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration which can cause discoloration. Check with your dentist if you are concerned about a change in the color of your tongue.
You can benefit from the experience and the wide range of dental services that Kendra L. Patterson, DMD has to offer. Call the office @ 303-722-9504.