Brushing targets the teeth, and flossing targets the hard-to-reach areas between them. Doing both diligently reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by removing the biofilm that collects on and around our teeth.
Biofilm is a collection of bacteria, viruses and other debris, like food particles. Biofilm also settles on the tongue. Dental biofilm is made up of different bacterial species than those that comprise tongue biofilm, because these species adapt to live on either the hard enamel of teeth or the warm environment of the tongue.
The tongue is coated in lots of little bumps called papillae. These help us do things such as speak and chew, and affect food preferences. Biofilm accumulates between and around papillae. This biofilm can act as a reservoir for bacteria, which can spread back to the other parts of the mouth and potentially lead to health concerns such as gum disease, explains Dr. Luana Dias, a dentist-scientist and postdoctoral associate in Shields’s lab.
While more research is needed, some evidence suggests this reservoir may be associated with other systemic health issues, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
An overgrowth of bacteria can also lead to bad breath. When sulfur-producing bacteria on the tongue break down, the process can produce compounds that cause bad breath. Indications that this might be happening include a white coating on the tongue and a constant metallic taste. Gentle tongue cleaning can help.
It’s better to use a tongue scraper than a toothbrush. Cross-contamination can occur if you use the same tool for both parts.
Toothbrush bristles can also create scar tissue on the top the tongue from over brushing.
A metal scraper, such as stainless steel or copper, rather than a plastic one may be better that plastic. Plastic can degrade over time, and plastic tools can leave micro-scratches on the tongue
A good rule of thumb is to replace rubber, plastic and bristle oral healthcare tools every three months, whereas metal scrapers can be sanitized.
Cleaning your tongue should be part of your daily routine, cleaning it twice daily as part of your dental routine, just like brushing and flossing: in the morning and before bed.