When you brush, do you include your tongue? During your regular visits, we’re sure the best dentist in Fleming Island mentioned that you must keep your tongue clean to reduce bacteria that contribute to plaque build-up, bad breath, and other oral health problems.
Research shows that people must make an effort to clean their tongues. How do you clean your tongue and what tools are you going to use? Let’s find out.
If you don’t know what tools to use, you may ask your dentist for suggestions. The most popular tongue cleaning tool is a tongue scraper. Several studies suggest that a tongue scraper is much more effective in removing bacteria compared to an ordinary toothbrush.
Two studies that concentrate on tongue cleaning concluded that tongue scrapers were more effective in removing sulfur compounds in your tongue that contribute to bad breath. Tongue scrapers may be made from metal or plastic. Ask your dentist to show you how to use one correctly.
While a toothbrush is not as effective as a tongue scraper, you can still use it to clean your tongue. A toothbrush is better than nothing at all. It’s also easier to use since you’re always using it to brush your teeth. You should find a soft-bristled toothbrush so that it’s gentle on your teeth and tongue.
If you’re looking for a reliable dentist, we have you covered. At Fleming Island Dental, we are dedicated to giving you the smile you deserve with the help of our experienced team of dental health experts. Visit our website or call us to learn more about our offers.