Your tongue is often overlooked in oral hygiene, but it's just as important as your teeth and gums. Neglecting to brush your tongue can lead to various oral health issues, from bad breath to gum disease.

But don't worry; with help from your Queen Creek family dentist, you can get back on track to a healthy mouth.

The Importance of Tongue Cleaning

Bacteria can quickly spread throughout your mouth when you don't brush your tongue. This can lead to several problems, including:

• Bad breath: The most common symptom of not brushing your tongue is halitosis or bad breath. The bacteria that cause this unpleasant odor thrive in the back of the language, so touching it is essential.
• Loss of taste: A buildup of bacteria, dead skin cells, and food particles can coat your taste buds, dulling your sense of taste. Brushing your tongue can help remove this biofilm and restore your taste buds.
• Black and hairy tongue: Food and drink particles can stain the papillae on your tongue, giving it a black or hairy appearance. Regular tongue brushing can help remove these stains and keep your tongue looking healthy.

• Oral thrush: A yeast infection in the mouth, also known as oral candidiasis, can occur when the fungus Candida overgrows in the mouth or throat. This condition can be treated with an antifungal mouthwash, and regular tongue brushing can help prevent it from recurring.
• Gum disease: Bacteria on the tongue can spread to the teeth, leading to gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease, a severe condition that can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and miscarriage.

Tooth Decay Can Be Prevented With A Clean Tongue

When you don't brush your tongue, bacteria and food particles can collect on the surface, creating an environment where harmful bacteria can thrive.

These bacteria can then spread to your teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. You can remove these harmful bacteria by brushing your tongue regularly and keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Boost Your Immune System With A Clean Tongue

Your tongue is home to millions of bacteria, and some of these bacteria are beneficial to your overall health. For example, some bacteria can help boost your immune system and protect against infections. However, when bacteria build up on your tongue, it can create an imbalance in the bacteria population, leading to health problems.

By brushing your tongue regularly, you can maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your mouth, which can help boost your immune system.

Get The Best Dental Care With Mesa Family Dentist

In conclusion, brushing your tongue is essential to your oral hygiene routine. It helps remove harmful bacteria, maintain a healthy balance of bacteria, and prevent oral health problems.

If you're experiencing oral health problems or are unsure if you're brushing your tongue correctly, it's always a good idea to visit your Queen Creek family dentist for an evaluation. Alternatively, you can fill in the quick form for a fast response from the team.

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