Achieving sound oral health involves more than solely focusing on the teeth and gums. Another vital yet often overlooked area is the tongue. As your go-to Green Bay area dentist, Dr. Yenchesky shares some important thoughts on how to keep your tongue in tip-top shape.
- Tongues need to be cleaned: The same way dirt gets trapped in the fibers of a carpet, the grooves and tiny hairs on the back of the tongue harbor bacteria. If not cleaned properly, these bacteria can lead to chronic bad breath and other health issues. Studies show that there’s an oral systemic link between mouth bacteria and conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, heart attacks, and complications during pregnancy. Clean the tongue daily using either a tongue scraper or your toothbrush, making sure to clean all the way to the back portion of the tongue.
- Keep an eye on the tongue: Thousands of Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Every week, take the time to physically examine your oral cavity, including the tongue. Stick your tongue out and inspect it from all sides. If you notice any significant changes in color, or the development of sores or skin patches that seem to persist after even a couple weeks, contact an oral health professional like Dr. Yenchesky right away.
- Protecting the tongue: Patients suffering from jaw misalignment can commonly experience biting the sides of cheeks or the tongue while speaking or eating. Our experts also have the experience and modern technology to resolve these oral health concerns.
Your De Pere Dentist
Don’t leave your oral health to chance. At Fox View Dental, the professional services provided by our expert Green Bay area dentist can help you to achieve the healthy teeth, gums and tongue that you deserve. Please contact us today.