Do Not Forget That Brushing Your Tongue Can Be as Important as Brushing Your Teeth and Gums

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day is a must. But have you considered if you’ve brushed your tongue? The tongue is an essential element of your mouth that has to be cleansed as well. It is a muscle organ in the mouth cavity and a digestive system auxiliary organ. Muscles, nerves, and blood arteries make up your tongue, each has its unique purpose.

Tongue functions and their components

The tongue has four muscles that assist it to move and determine its shape. The tongue has the ability to extend and retract, raise and descend the tip of the tongue, and expand and narrow its surface. The action of your tongue is vital for chewing and swallowing your meal. The way your tongue moves also helps you speak by clearing the mouth cavity.

To deliver blood to the muscles in your tongue, there is a major lingual artery that separates into three branches. The lingual artery feeds blood to the mucosa of the oral cavity as well as the gums, in addition to the tongue.

The tongue has many nerves that let it taste and feel. The lingual papillae, which are little bumps on the surface of your tongue, send messages to the nerves, which cause them to react to stimuli. Taste, sensation, saliva production, and drainage or cleansing are all controlled by the many kinds of papillae on the tongue.

What are the benefits of brushing your tongue?

Your tongue is a complicated organ that requires special attention. Bacteria and food particles can become trapped behind a thin mucous layer on the tongue. Cleaning your tongue after brushing and flossing your teeth is an important part of your dental practice.

You can begin by brushing the back of your tongue and work your way forward to the tip. Apply mild pressure to the whole upper surface of your tongue. Rinse your mouth and tongue with water to complete the cleansing process. You should brush your tongue twice a day, once in the morning and once before retiring to bed.

You may clean your tongue using the bristles of your toothbrush or with a toothbrush that has a tongue cleaner integrated into the rear of the head. Another approach is to use a tongue scraper to wipe your tongue more thoroughly.

Maintain the health of your tongue and mouth by seeing your dentist on a regular basis. To arrange an appointment with California Dental Group, call (800) 407-0161.