When contemplating your oral health, most people immediately think of all the ways that they take care of their teeth. You go to the dentist twice a year, brush twice a day, and use floss. However, your tongue deserves just as much attention as your teeth. It doesn’t take much to care for your tongue, and it’s vitally important that you do so.
How can you keep your tongue clean and healthy? Follow these simple tips to help you get even better oral hygiene:
Brush Your Tongue
You know it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day, but did you know that you should be brushing your tongue too? It’s important to scrub your tongue every time you brush your teeth because it can help eliminate odour-causing bacteria. You can do this with your regular toothbrush and toothpaste. Simply brush from the back of the tongue to the tip of the tongue in long strokes for the best results.
Rinse Your Mouth
After you brush your tongue, you’ll need to rinse it well. Fortunately, there isn’t a need for expensive products. You can get away with simply rinsing your mouth with water. If you feel that water isn’t getting the job done the way you want, mix up your own saline solution using warm water and a pinch of salt.
Scrape Your Tongue
Every once in a while, you may need to clean your tongue more thoroughly than you can with a toothbrush alone. A tongue scraper is designed to help eliminate mucus that builds up on the tongue, but you have to know how to use it properly. First, lightly scrape from the back of the tongue to the tip. Rinse the scraper between each pass of the tongue. Make sure not to scrape too hard, or your tongue will start to feel sore.
Keep an Eye on Colour
Did you know that the colour of your tongue can clue you in about important health issues? In general, your tongue should be light pink with a little bit of white. Too much white can signal that you are dehydrated, while a pale pink can be indicative of a vitamin deficiency. Bright red can mean an issue with infection, heart, or blood problems.
Stay Hydrated
If you notice that your tongue is too white, it’s a sign that you need to drink more water. Water also allows you to rinse away harmful bacteria from the tongue and the mouth in general. Be sure to carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go so that you always have something to rinse your mouth with.
Consult Your Dentist
If you think that you have some issue with your tongue, it’s important to have it looked at by a medical professional. A dental clinic in Winnipeg like East Kildonan Dental Group can help you with any immediate concerns you might have. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help with your tongue health!