We are aware and attentive to keeping our teeth and gums clean by following our regular regimen of brushing and flossing, but one oral tissue that is usually always overlooked is the care of the tongue.
The tongue, which is located in the mouth, is an important element of our digestive systems. It assists you with speaking, chewing, and swallowing, plus it lets you appreciate the taste of your meal, thanks to its over 10,000 taste buds.
A large portion of the bacteria in your mouth resides on your tongue. That is why it is critical to take special care of it at all times. If you want to obtain oral well-being, you must never neglect your tongue.
Here are 10 things you should do every day to keep your tongue clean and healthy.
Regularly brush your tongue
One of the most important things you can do for your oral health is to brush your tongue regularly. Your tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria, and if you don’t brush it, the bacteria can cause bad breath and other problems.
Therefore, when brushing your teeth, it’s important to remember to brush your tongue as well. Brush your teeth using a downward motion starting at the back of your mouth and working your way up. This will help get rid of the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could damage your tongue. Rinse with water when you’re finished.
Use a tongue scraper.
A tongue scraper is a small, usually metal tool that is used to clean the tongue. It is often recommended by dentists and other oral health care professionals as a way to help keep the tongue healthy.
The tongue scraper is used by placing it on the tongue and then moving it back and forth to remove bacteria, food debris, and other things from the surface of the tongue. This can help to reduce bad breath and to keep the tongue healthy.
Some tongue scrapers are battery operated and have a vibration feature that can help to remove bacteria and debris from the tongue.
Gargle with salt water.
Gargling with salt water is an effective way to keep your tongue healthy. The salt water helps to remove bacteria and debris from the surface of the tongue, keeping it clean and preventing bad breath. Gargling with salt water also helps to soothe a sore throat and can be used as a mouthwash to help prevent cavities.
Add a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and gargle for at least 30 seconds. Do this at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.
Monitor the color of your tongue
It is crucial to monitor the color of your tongue on a regular basis since it may be used to assess your overall health. A healthy tongue should be bright pink with a faint white covering. A completely white tongue, on the other hand, might indicate dehydration or possibly a fungal infection.
If your tongue appears pale, it might indicate that you are deficient in vitamins. If your tongue is bright red, it might be an indication of an infection or potentially a heart or blood disease. As a result, if you detect any unusual pigmentation on your tongue, see a medical practitioner.
Drink plenty of water.
Your entire body functions better when you stay hydrated. Water is also essential for a healthy tongue. Drinking plenty of water will keep your tongue hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry and cracked. A dry and cracked tongue can be painful and make it difficult to eat and speak. Drinking water will also help to flush out bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath.
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Your tongue is a strong muscle that does a lot of important work, from helping you speak and eat to keeping your teeth clean. Like all muscles, it needs blood to stay healthy. That’s why it’s important to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, which can both lead to reduced blood flow.
Smoking narrows your blood vessels and reduces blood flow to all parts of your body, including your tongue. This can cause your tongue to look pale and unhealthy. Drinking alcohol can also lead to reduced blood flow to your tongue. In addition, alcohol can irritate your tongue and make it more likely to develop infections.
Keeping your tongue healthy is important for your overall health. A healthy tongue is less likely to develop infections and can help you eat and speak more easily. If you smoke or drink alcohol, consider quitting to help keep your tongue healthy.
Eat healthily
If you want to keep your tongue healthy, you need to eat healthy foods. A healthy diet is important for overall health, and that includes the health of your tongue.
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Choose lean protein sources, such as beans. And limit sugary and fatty foods. All of these choices will help keep your tongue healthy.
Breathing Exercises
When we talk about keeping your tongue healthy, we not only mean keep it clean by brushing and flossing. Of course, these are very essential as we discussed above, but it doesn’t end here. As we know, the tongue is a muscle and, like all muscles, it benefits from regular exercise. Just as you wouldn’t neglect to work out your arms or legs, you shouldn’t neglect your tongue. One way to keep your tongue healthy and fit is to practice some simple breathing exercises.
Here’s one breathing exercise you can try: Sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed. Place your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Slowly exhale through your nose, making sure that your tongue stays in contact with the roof of your mouth the entire time. As you exhale, you should feel your tongue and the muscles in your jaw and neck relax. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Not only will this exercise help to keep your tongue healthy, but it can also help to relieve stress and tension headaches. So next time you’re feeling tense, try giving your tongue a workout.
DIY Mouthwash
DIY mouthwash is a great way to keep your tongue healthy and free from bacteria. You can make your own mouthwash at home using a few simple ingredients, such as water, salt, and baking soda. Simply mix these ingredients together and use as you would any other mouthwash.
Swish the mixture around your mouth for a minute or two before spitting it out. DIY mouthwash can help to remove plaque and bacteria from your tongue, keeping your mouth clean and healthy.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a traditional practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth for15-20l minutes. This helps to remove toxins from your tongue and teeth. It also helps to improve your oral health.
There are many benefits of oil pulling. It can help to improve your oral health, remove toxins from your body, and boost your immune system. The practice involves swishing oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes, then spitting it out.
Conclusion
Overall, it is very important to take care of your tongue. By following the simple tips we listed above, you can keep your tongue healthy and avoid any major problems down the road.
