Brushing your teeth is the single most important step you can take to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. But what about your gums and tongue? Should you take special precautions to clean them, or is brushing your teeth enough to keep your mouth healthy?
At EaDO Family Dental, we want to make sure our patients understand the importance of cleaning your gums and tongue properly. Here’s a few things to keep in mind:
Cleaning Your Gums And Tongue Is Critical For Preventing Tooth Decay And Gum Disease
Plaque, tartar, and oral bacteria don’t just congregate on the surfaces of your teeth. Brushing your teeth is essential, as it helps to remove the majority of oral bacteria. But the bacteria that live on your tongue and on your gums also must be cleaned away, in order to safeguard your oral health. Brushing and cleaning your tongue and gums properly is absolutely essential, because brushing alone simply is not enough to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Our Top Tips For Cleaning Your Gums And Tongue
So, how can you make an effort to clean your gums and tongue more effectively? Here are a few tips.
- Always brush your tongue – Once you’ve finished brushing your teeth, simply scrub your tongue for 15-30 seconds, using your toothbrush. This will help destroy the majority of bacteria present on your tongue.
- Consider a tongue scraper – If you’d like to go a step further, you can use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and any other residue on your tongue. This is not absolutely essential, but some folks enjoy the fresh, clean feeling that results from tongue scraping.
- Floss regularly – Flossing is the best way to remove food material, bacteria, and tartar from between your teeth. You should floss properly at least once per day.
- Consider a water flosser – Water flossers are not a substitute for flossing, but they are recognized by the ADA as an effective way to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
- Use an electric toothbrush – Electric toothbrushes can make it easier to properly clean your gums and tongue, due to the rapid, rotating action of the brush head.
- Don’t miss your six-month oral exam and teeth cleaning – A dental hygienist can use specialized tools to scrape tartar and plaque away from your gums, preventing gingivitis and leaving your mouth clean and fresh. Always make sure you see the team at EaDo Family Dental for a regular oral exam and teeth cleaning.
Keep Your Mouth Healthy – Don’t Overlook Your Gums And Tongue
By properly cleaning your entire mouth, you can avoid issues like halitosis (bad breath), gingivitis, and tooth decay. Need a check-up? Want more advice on how to care for your mouth? Schedule an exam with Dr. Williams or Dr. Ma at EaDo Family Dental now. We’re always accepting new patients, and we offer same-day appointments!
Contact us at (713) 474-2334, or drop by our office if you’re in the neighborhood. You can find us at 2240 Navigation Blvd, Suite 300, Houston, TX.
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