When people clean their mouths, they tend to focus on their teeth and gums. However, there’s one big area that tends to be neglected: the tongue! This vital muscle needs a daily scrubbing like the rest of your mouth, and your oral health depends on it. Oahu Dental Care, a family dentist that offers everything from cleanings and fillings to teeth whitening and Invisalign in Pearl City, HI, wants to teach clients how to properly brush their tongues. Here is some helpful information from the dentist at Oahu Dental Care:

• Importance Of Brushing Your Tongue: While brushing your teeth helps remove plaque on the teeth, other harmful materials can still remain on your tongue, causing bad breath and bacteria to spread around your mouth. Oahu Dental Care encourages patients to brush their tongue every day in order to reduce their risk of needing tooth extraction, root canal, or other dental treatments.
• The Proper Technique For Brushing Your Tongue: The dentist at Oahu Dental Care recommends brushing your tongue just after brushing your teeth. Start by using a toothbrush with toothpaste on it to gently scrub the entire surface of your tongue. Be sure to brush both on top and underneath. If you have trouble brushing around braces, try sticking your tongue outside your mouth. Once you’re done brushing, rinse with water and mouthwash.

While proper oral hygiene habits will help you avoid cavities and other issues, Oahu Dental Care will provide prompt, compassionate care, should you need a root canal, tooth extraction, or another treatment. To book a consultation with the dentist, call (808) 456-5005 or (808) 732-2821, or visit the website.