5 CRAZY THINGS That Occur From Not Brushing Your Tongue
Maintaining a robust oral hygiene regimen is often synonymous with brushing after meals and flossing diligently before bedtime. However, if you’ re neglecting the crucial step of cleaning your tongue, it’ s time to elevate your oral health routine to new heights.
According to Vera W. L. Tang, D. D. S. , a clinical assistant professor in the department of periodontics and implant dentistry at New York University, the human mouth hosts a diverse array of over 700 bacterial species. While many of these microorganisms are harmless, the proliferation of detrimental bacteria within the intricate crevices of the tongue’ s surface can precipitate various oral health concerns.
Barbara L. McClatchie, D. D. S. , a founding member of the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health and proprietor of Complete Health Dentistry in Columbus, Ohio, likens the tongue to a ” bacteria sponge, ” capable of disseminating harmful microbes throughout the oral cavity, thereby predisposing individuals to an array of oral maladies.
The repercussions of neglecting tongue hygiene extend beyond mere discomfort, encompassing a spectrum of conditions ranging from the mundane to the grave.
Bad Breath
Steve Cook, D. D. S. , proprietor of Austin City Dental in Austin, Texas, asserts that neglecting tongue brushing constitutes a prime catalyst for halitosis. The accumulation of bacteria on the posterior region of the tongue fosters the production of malodorous compounds, resulting in foul breath. Proper tongue cleaning, particularly in the posterior regions, serves as a pivotal measure in combating malodorous emanations.
Impaired Taste Sensation
McClatchie elucidates that the formation of a biofilm comprised of bacteria, food debris, and dead skin cells on the tongue’s surface can impede taste perception by encumbering taste bud functionality. Effective removal of this biofilm through regular tongue brushing facilitates the restoration of taste acuity, enhancing the gustatory experience.
Black Hairy Tongue
A benign yet aesthetically displeasing condition, black hairy tongue ensues from the accumulation of food or beverage residues on the papillae of the tongue. Cook attributes the development of this condition to inadequate tongue hygiene and underscores the role of thorough tongue brushing in alleviating this cosmetic concern.
Oral Thrush
Medically referred to as oral candidiasis, oral thrush manifests as white patches on the tongue’s surface, indicative of yeast overgrowth consequent to bacterial imbalance within the oral cavity. McClatchie emphasizes the role of regular tongue cleaning in mitigating yeast proliferation and preventing the recurrence of oral thrush.
