Should I Be Brushing My Tongue?
You should hopefully know that you need to brush and floss your teeth, by now. But what you may not know is that you should show the same attention to your tongue. Your tongue provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. No amount of rinsing will get rid of everything that is there. Even a harsh mouthwash will only remove the outer layer of the biofilm that develops on the tongue. The only way to remove the bacteria that cause bad breath from your tongue is to brush it. Brushing your tongue is just like brushing your teeth.
Brushing Your Tongue to Help Bad Breath
Bacteria give off a foul odor, so removing it from your tongue will improve bad breath for most people. Since you will be removing much of the bacteria in your mouth, you will also be much less likely to develop cavities and periodontal disease. With that being said, not brushing your tongue might only be the only reason why you might have bad breath. Chronic bad breath can also be caused by tooth decay, dry mouth, or underlying health conditions such as diabetes, tonsilitis, and sinus infections.
Getting Rid of Bad Breath
If you suspect that your bad breath might be caused by something other than bacteria on your tongue, don’t hesitate to contact your Saugus and North Boston area dentist to make an appointment. Dr. Stephen Petinge is a premier Saugus dentist, and he will be able to answer any questions you might have about your oral health. For more information about how Dr. Petinge or another Saugus, MA dentist can help you, contact our office today.
