Tongues are outstanding wonders. They aid in nourishment and help clean our teeth. They are an extremely important aspect of our oral and whole body health. They are also very helpful in keeping your braces clean. On average, the tongue is home to 10,000 taste buds, but it also hosts billions of bacterium. Oral bacteria can contribute to many health issues including: tooth decay, gingivitis, and bad breath. While brushing and flossing remove bacteria from teeth and gums, as much as 50% of the bacteria in the mouth live on the surface of our tongue. And it’s these bacteria in particular that can be one cause of bad breath.
By scraping or scrubbing the dorsal surface of your tongue (meaning its top side, the side you can see), and especially its rear-most portion, you’ll rid yourself of what’s probably the largest refuge of odor producing bacteria in your mouth.
Next time you brush your teeth, don’t forget to brush your tongue!