Proper oral hygiene is not limited to your teeth, the tongue forms an integral part of it. We often focus on taking care of our teeth and pay little attention to the tongue. It is important to regularly brush your tongue for better oral hygiene. It can be a big problem if you fail to brush your tongue regularly. Tooth decay, gum disease, decreased taste, and bad breath are some of the consequences of not brushing your tongue.
One of the most common ways an uncared tongue can affect your oral health is by increasing the chances of tooth decay and gum disease. Since your gums and teeth are in contact all the time, it is easy for any bacteria present in the tongue grooves to enter your gums or teeth. If the bacteria are not removed immediately, or there is constant exposure to them, there are remarkably high chances of getting gum disease or decay. Gum disease might lead to serious consequences like tooth loss and decay, which may require a filling to correct.
When bacteria accumulate on the tongue, it affects the ability to taste. The bacteria buildup essentially covers up your tongue's taste buds, affecting its functionality. Consequently, the taste buds will not have full access to the foods you eat, preventing them from absorbing the taste. Brushing your tongue regularly helps expose the taste buds to food as required, maintaining your taste.
There are many causes of bad breath, but the tongue is arguably the most common. When bacteria are not removed from the surface of your tongue, your mouth will have an unpleasant odor. Bacteria quickly build up on your tongue, which can produce a bad odor. It is important to always brush your tongue regularly to get rid of bacteria. This will go a long way in improving the smell of your breath. Visit our offices for more information on the importance of regularly cleaning your tongue.
