Have you ever heard of tongue scraping? Simply put, this is a preventive measure you can take to help remove bacteria from your smile and improve overall oral health. In today’s blog, we would like to discuss the benefits of tongue scraping, as well as other homecare routines that improve smiles in Dallas, TX.
Oral Bacteria and Smile Health
Our mouths are filled with bacteria, and although not all of them are harmful, some can lead to the onset of tooth decay and gum disease. These bacteria can accumulate on or between our teeth, or even on our tongue! To help remove these bacteria, and limit the risk of cavities, bad breath, gingivitis, and periodontal issues, we may suggest scraping your tongue with a special plastic device, which can be purchased in our office and in stores or pharmacies. Each day, you drag the small handheld plastic tool over the surface of your tongue, starting at the back and moving forward, which helps rid your tongue of harmful bacteria. The process only takes a few seconds, but offers the potential for a healthier smile and even fresher breath!
Brushing and Flossing
You should do this when you brush and floss, which are also steps essential for keeping a healthy smile. When you wake up, you should brush your teeth for two minutes. We suggest a brush with soft bristles (to prevent inadvertent damage to the enamel if you brush too hard) and a toothpaste that contains fluoride, a naturally-occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel. You can then brush or scrap your tongue as well. In the evening, you will again need to brush your teeth, but you should also floss up and down each side of every tooth, dipping below the gum line to reach and remove trapped food particles. Again, take time to clean your tongue as well! These simple steps can help control plaque buildup and safeguard your smile against serious oral health concerns.
Schedule a Visit
Be sure to see us every six months as well. During your checkup, we will examine your smile for warning signs of cavities and other oral health issues. We will also perform a dental cleaning, which removes all plaque and tartar from the teeth and helps protect your teeth and gums from cavities, infection, gingivitis, and gum disease. If you have any questions about homecare, then please contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Your Oral Health?
If you have questions about maintaining optimal oral health, then contact our team today. For more information on general and preventive dental treatment, then schedule a consultation by calling the Viva Dental Family Dentistry office nearest you at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson).
