Your tongue can be the main cause or indicator of oral health problems. Bad breath can be caused by bacteria on your tongue and can even lead to cavities. Tongue cavities, huh? Not exactly. Your tongue harbours more bacteria than your teeth and that bacteria can transfer to your teeth, creating cavities. Your tongue can also show signs of disease. So, how can you prevent negative effects from manifesting in your mouth?
Brushing your tongue helps swipe away the germs residing on it. How can germs stick to your tongue? This part of your mouth has troughs and peaks that bacteria love to hide in. Dentists at Stoney Trail Dental want to let you know that cleaning your tongue twice a day is the ideal way to steer clear of those nasty microbes.
How do you clean your tongue? You can lightly scrub your tongue with your toothbrush or use a scraper. Use a light dab of toothpaste on your brush and clean the entire circumference of your tongue.
Lick your risk of dental disaster by introducing your tongue to a healthy dental routine.
When you eat healthily, your tongue reacts positively. Munch down on foods with anti-microbial properties to keep your tongue strong. What are some of these foods? Garlic and coconuts. Eating these ingredients is like having your tongue do weights, helping build immunity to bacteria.
Eating healthy in general and staying away from sugars is beneficial to your entire oral cavity. Dental plaque feeds on the sticky, gooey sugars you put in your mouth which could lead to the destruction of your tooth enamel. Try to stay away from the dangers of an unhealthy mouth by making minor adjustments to your diet. A healthy mouth means you will feel happier and be able to show off your smile to the world.
Regular visits to your dentist are key to preventing the dangers of oral cancer. Oral cancer kills many people on a daily basis and dentists at Stoney Trail want you to avoid this deadly oral risk. Getting your regular check-ups means your dentist is checking your entire mouth from teeth to gums to the tongue. Dentists at Stoney Trail Dental have the technology and knowledge that allow them to discover if you have signs of oral cancer. Discovering this common cancer early means treatments can save your life.
Have you noticed any unusual spots on your tongue? It could be a sign of oral cancer. Rule out the possibility of this type of infection by visiting your dentist at least every 6 months. Your dentist can identify and treat any problem.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Gurshant Grewal - a Registered Dentist on August 15, 2019
