Should You Brush Your Tongue?

In recent years you may have seen adverts featuring toothbrushes with rubber strips on the back to brush your tongue with. What does brushing your tongue do though and should you really brush your tongue?

Because your tongue contains a number of ridges and grooves and is both warm and moist it makes it a breeding ground for bacteria. This bacteria can lead to halitosis as well as even more serious infections. That is why you should brush your tongue tog et rid of this build up as it keeps your mouth healthy and your breath fresh.

To brush your tongue you will need either a toothbrush with a specifically designed strip on the back or a tongue cleaner. It is important not to use the regular bristles of a toothbrush as this can severely damage your taste buds.

Once you have the proper equipment all you have to do is scrub the cleaner against your tongue up and down, this will dislodge the bacteria. After you have done this you should then rinse with mouthwash to properly expel the bacteria.

Brushing your tongue can also have a positive effect on the whiteness of your teeth. By removing the bacteria from your mouth you stop it from getting on your teeth, which will eventually cause a yellow discoloration.

So remember to brush your tongue at least once a day.