Why Clean Your Tongue?

Posted on 8/1/2024 by Dan O'Leary DDS

A person brushing their tongue with a toothbrush

Cleaning your tongue daily is very important for your oral health. It removes harmful bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that cause bad breath, cavities, gum disease, and other problems. This article explains the health benefits of keeping your tongue clean.

Removes Bacteria That Cause Bad Breath

Food particles get trapped on the bumpy surface of the tongue, where they rot and enable smelly bacteria to thrive. Scraping or brushing the tongue dislodges these odor culprits for fresher breath.

Limits Risk of Cavities and Gum Disease

Harmful bacteria on your tongue can spread to your teeth and gums. This raises your chance of infection. Taking off the tongue bacteria lowers this risk and improves your overall dental health.

Enhances Your Sense of Taste

Trapped food and bacteria coat taste buds, dulling their sensitivity. A cleaner tongue allows your taste buds to work better so you can fully experience all the subtle flavors in foods and drinks.

Prevents White Tongue

A white tongue happens when too many dead cells, bacteria, and tiny food particles build up on the top of your tongue. Cleaning your tongue daily clears the buildup and helps prevent a white coating from forming.

Improves Overall Health

Bacteria from your mouth can get into your blood and travel to other parts of your body, where they might cause disease. Getting rid of as much bacteria in your mouth as possible, including on your tongue, lowers your risk of this happening.

Reduces Inflammation and Swelling

Inflamed papillae, or taste buds, on the tongue can swell and cause discomfort. Removing irritants helps reduce inflammation for relief.

Keeps the Mouth Feeling Cleaner

Scraping away buildup leaves your tongue and entire mouth feeling fresher. This clean sensation improves your oral health perception.

Easy With Tongue Scrapers and Toothbrushes

Plastic scrapers or brushes gently cleanse the tongue without discomfort. Make tongue cleaning part of your daily oral hygiene routine.

Cleaning the tongue takes just seconds but provides all-day confidence and health benefits. Avoid bad breath by adding tongue cleaning to your daily dental care routine.

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Dentist Salem OR • About Oak Park Dental
Providing modern dental technology and advanced oral health care to give you a comfortable and stress-free dental experience in Salem and Keizer, OR. Call today!
Oak Park Dental, 3380 Astoria Way NE, Salem, OR 97305, (971) 600-0211, salemsmiles.com, 6/13/2025, Page Phrases: dentist Salem OR,