Have you ever wondered exactly how you get bad breath? You might be surprised to learn that bad breath results from bacteria that forms in your mouth that actually has a few protective qualities. This bacteria has the ability to fight infections and other pathogens. It may be hard to believe that the source of your bad breath comes from bacteria that can aid in protecting your oral health.
Tongue Brushing Helps…
The American Dental Association doesn’t include tongue brushing as a way to maintain good dental health. However, a tongue with built up food particles and other residues usually doesn’t smell or look very good. This is why your Garden City, Ny dentists say it’s a good idea to brush or scrape your tongue to eliminate bad breath and maintain a clean mouth. Mouthwash can also be helpful. If the residue on your tongue remains or has an unusual color, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Dr. Dominique Lizzio, Dr. John Cerrato, and Dr. George Sheehan care about your dental health and education. Both brushing and scraping your tongue shouldn’t be a rigorous process. It should be approached gently, particularly if you are scraping your tongue. You don’t want to cut or hurt your tongue in any way.
It’s good to know that bad breath is not necessarily a symptom of bad oral health. Your mouth will definitely feel cleaner and fresher after cleaning your tongue. Call your Garden City Dental team or click on our website for more answers and guidance.