Are you concerned about bad breath? Maybe your tongue is the culprit. The tongue is a muscular organ in your mouth that is imperative for speech and also helps manipulate food and drink for swallowing. It is covered in tiny papillae that help you taste your food. These areas can trap bacteria and residual food particles. Although the tongue is not susceptible to getting cavities, it can still be a major source of housing bacteria in the mouth, some of which are responsible for causing cavities but also bad breath.

Bad Breath?

Bad breath or halitosis is thought to affect at least 50% of the population. Although there can be various sources of bad breath, bacteria, and food debris on the tongue can be a major contributor. What can you do to fight bad breath?

The first and most important step is oral hygiene of the tongue. Mouthwashes can help but do not address the root of the problem. In order to get rid of the bad breath causing agents, it is important to brush your tongue. This can be accomplished with either a toothbrush or a tongue scraper.

Some people find brushing their tongue difficult. This is due to a strong gag reflex and a protective mechanism. We find that if you suffer from a strong gag reflex a tongue scraper may be more efficient and easier to use.

Make sure you speak with Dr. Parsons and our hygienist Ann more about a tongue scraper and tongue hygiene at your visit to our Highlands Ranch dental office! Call 303-694-9740 to schedule your appointment today.

Need a checkup and never been to Cottonwood Dental Group? Check out our New Patient Special. Our family has been treating patients in the Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Lone Tree, Parker, Castle Pines and the greater Denver Metro Area since 1982.