Do you brush your teeth every day but fail to clean your tongue? After learning about the benefits associated with a clean tongue, you will try to keep it clean. Tongue cleaning is an essential aspect of oral hygiene that often gets overlooked. Chetany Lakhera, Dental Hygienist, based in Bandikui, Dausa, Rajasthan, suggests several key reasons why cleaning your tongue is important for your overall oral health:
Fresh Breath
One of the most immediate benefits of tongue cleaning is the prevention of bad breath or halitosis. The tongue's rough surface can trap food particles, bacteria, and dead cells, which can lead to foul-smelling breath if not removed.
Removes Some Harmful Bacteria
The tongue is a prime breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Cleaning your tongue helps remove these bacteria, reducing the risk of oral infections, tooth decay, and gum disease.
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Improved Taste Sensation
A clean tongue enhances your ability to taste food. A coated or dirty tongue can dull your taste buds, affecting your enjoyment of flavours and potentially leading to poor dietary choices.
Enhanced Oral Hygiene
A cleaner tongue supports your overall oral hygiene routine. By reducing the bacterial load in your mouth, you lower the risk of plaque formation and dental issues like cavities and gum inflammation.
Prevention of White Coating
A white or yellowish coating on the tongue is often a sign of poor oral hygiene or a fungal infection known as oral thrush. Regular tongue cleaning can help prevent or alleviate this condition.
Reduced Risk of Systemic Health Issues
Journal Science Reports, suggests a link between oral health and systemic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Keeping your tongue clean may contribute to overall well-being.
Complete Oral Care
While brushing and flossing are essential components of oral hygiene, neglecting the tongue can leave a significant part of your mouth uncleaned. Tongue cleaning completes the picture of complete oral care.
Prevention of Stains
A clean tongue can also help prevent stains on your teeth. Coloured foods and drinks, like coffee and red wine, can leave residues on the tongue, which may transfer to your teeth.
Consider using a tongue scraper or the back of your toothbrush to clean your tongue properly. To eliminate dirt and bacteria, gently scrape or brush your tongue from back to front. After that, rinse your mouth to remove any loose particles.
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Tongue cleaning is a simple but important practice for optimal dental health. It has several advantages, ranging from preventing bad breath to lowering the risk of dental and systemic health problems. Tongue washing can help you attain a healthier mouth and fresher breath by incorporating it into your daily dental care practice.