The unsung tongue — an important part of a healthy mouth
When brushing your teeth, it’s important not to overlook your tongue! It helps you talk, taste, swallow and chew. It also helps sweep food and debris from your teeth and gums.
Cleaning your tongue
Because of its rough surface, your tongue is an easy place for bacteria to settle in and thrive. This can cause bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. To remove as much bacteria as possible, make tongue care part of your regular oral health routine by cleaning your tongue each time you brush your teeth — at least twice a day. Make sure to clean the entire surface of your tongue to:
- Lower the amount of bacteria on your tongue
- Cut down on the substance released by bacteria that causes bad breath
- Reduce plaque on our teeth
- Eliminate a white-coated appearance caused by bacteria
- Improve your sense of taste
Examining your tongue
Do a monthly self-check to detect any possible issues with your tongue, such as oral cancer. Use a mirror and bright light to look for these tongue issues:
- Lumps or sores that bleed or that don’t go away after two weeks
- A change from pink coloring to white, red, yellow or black
- White, red or pink patches
- A smooth or glossy appearance
- A tongue that looks hairy
If you notice changes to your tongue or how it moves, any pain, changes or difficulty chewing or swallowing, or changes in your speech, make sure to tell your dentist or physician right away. Even if you don’t have symptoms, schedule regular dental checkups. These checkups are an effective way to catch oral cancer and other tongue issues early on.
