Most of us know the importance of brushing and flossing every day. But maintaining good oral health involves more than paying attention to your teeth and gums. There’s one part of your mouth that many people overlook entirely, but it’s a vital part of your overall health, and the quality of your life actually depends on it – your tongue. When it comes to maintaining good oral health, it’s important to remember this very special part of your mouth. After all, your tongue allows you to taste, chew and enjoy your food, not to mention the ability to speak clearly. This important part of your anatomy needs attention in order to remain healthy.
Your tongue is truly an amazing part of your body. Over 10,000 taste buds survive on its surface, allowing you to enjoy one of life’s greatest pleasures – tasting food and drinks. But these same little taste buds create a somewhat rough surface on your tongue, and that rough surface is the perfect place for bacteria and acid to thrive. If you don’t keep your tongue surface clean, it can lead to bad breath and more.
The bacteria that collects on the tongue surface is easily transferred to your teeth. Most of us know that bacteria collects on the tooth surface and that bacteria can eventually build up and lead to plaque and tooth decay. But you may not realize that much of the bacteria left behind on your teeth originate from the tongue.
As if that weren’t enough reason to pay attention to your tongue, there’s one more important reason to keep your tongue clean: you’ll be able to taste the flavor of your food better!
Caring for Your Tongue
Fortunately, caring for your tongue is relatively easy. Each time you brush and floss your teeth, remember to brush your tongue as well. Use a soft-bristle brush and scrub it gently for just a few seconds. It’s that simple. If you notice that your tongue is a little sensitive, don’t worry – that’s normal. Once you begin brushing your tongue on a regular basis, you won’t notice it so much. But if discomfort persists, mention it to your dentist.
By following this simple routine of gently brushing your tongue each and every day, you’ll help to reduce the risk of developing tooth decay, freshen your breath, and enjoy the taste of food and beverages to the full extent possible. Remember what an important role your tongue plays in the quality of your life, so take good care of it every day to maintain good oral health.
