Aug
You know that you should be cleaning your teeth twice a day to reduce your probability of developing cavities and other oral health problems, but you shouldn’t neglect other areas in your mouth. Your tongue, another major feature of your mouth, also collects food debris and bacteria that should be regularly cleaned. Read on to learn more from your dentist about why your tongue should be regularly cleaned and the best way to do it.
Without your tongue, you wouldn’t be able to taste, create certain sounds when speaking, or move food around in your mouth so it can be properly chewed and swallowed. The surface of your tongue is covered in tiny bumps called papillae. Within the grooves of the bumps collect bacteria, dead skin cells, and food debris from eating. This is all then covered by a thin layer of mucus that coats the fleshy parts of the mouth. When these buildups get trapped under the mucus, you may develop bad breath and a white discoloration of the tongue. The bacteria on the tongue can also redeposit onto teeth and gums, therefore increasing the likelihood of plaque and tartar buildup.
You should be cleaning your tongue as part of your regular oral hygiene routine. Whenever you are brushing and flossing, don’t forget about cleaning your tongue. You have two main ways that you can do this:
If you notice pain when you’re cleaning your tongue, you might be doing it too vigorously. Allow the skin on your tongue to heal and try again with a softer, more gentle approach. For those who have a sensitive gag reflex, there is a trick. Stick out your tongue, and when you are trying to touch a sensitive part, relax the tongue completely while exhaling fully. This will generally override the gag reflex, allowing you to clean your tongue without additional issues.
Next time you brush and floss your teeth, don’t forget about this often-neglected part of your mouth. You would have a hard time functioning without it.
Dr. Robert A. Sue is a well experienced dentist in Glendale, CA with over forty years of experience in the field. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of the University of Southern California. He has completed advanced training through prestigious programs like the Pankey Institute, the Kois Center, and SPEAR. Dr. Sue is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call 818-243-3838.
Dr. Ivan Chan is a compassionate dentist with extensive training in preventative, restorative, implant, and cosmetic dentistry. He earned his Biology degree from the University of California, San Diego, where he helped run free dental clinics for underserved communities. Dr. Chan received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California, San Francisco. He has volunteered on mission trips in Mexico to provide quality dental care to underserved communities. Dr. Chan has also been on humanitarian missions with the US Navy on the USNS Mercy Hospital Ship. Committed to accessible, high-quality dental care, he combines expertise with a dedication to improving everyone’s oral health.
Dr. Jonathan Gao is a dedicated orthodontist with a passion for providing exceptional care. He holds a degree in Human Biology from UC San Diego and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from UC San Francisco (UCSF), where he also completed his orthodontic residency. Dr. Gao’s commitment to both research and community service earned him multiple awards, including Distinguished Volunteer and Provider of the Year at the UCSF Community Dental Clinic. His expertise, coupled with his dedication to serving others, underscores his reputation for delivering trustworthy, patient-centered care.
Dr. Moji Ghalambor is a highly skilled endodontist who is passionate about patient care and community service. He earned his Biology degree from Hope International University, where he also played collegiate soccer, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Southern California (USC). After practicing general dentistry, he pursued specialized training in Endodontics at USC. Dr. Ghalambor served as class president for four years and participated in mission trips to Belize, Cambodia, Nicaragua, and Panama. His expertise, leadership, and commitment to underserved communities define his trustworthy approach.