No 3 (August) - Tongue Cleaning.

Our tongues are covered in papillae; these are outgrowths of epithelium that create a rough surface on the tongue. This rough surface offers a breeding area for bacteria, fungi and also harbours food debris and dead cells. This coating is one of the main causes of bad breath.

One of the most common fungi to find on the tongue is Candida Albicans, this is commonly known as oral thrush.

The bacteria that colonize on the tongue are able to travel to other sites in the oral cavity, and can be responsible for decay, periodontal problems, and in particular bad breath.

Studies have also shown that oral bacteria can be responsible for some systemic diseases. For example microorganisms can be inhaled into the respiratory tract and have the ability to cause disease, particularly pneumonia. This is particularly relevant to those patients with a lowered immunity and those less able to practice good oral hygiene themselves.

It is therefore paramount to clean the tongue regularly to maintain a high standard of both oral and general health.

There are many variations of tongue cleaners on the market. The most common are scrapers or stiff brushes. They should be placed toward the posterior portion of the tongue and dragged forward to scrape away the build up.

TOP TIP – if you have a strong gag reflex and find tongue cleaning too difficult, try carrying this out in the evening when the gag reflex is at its least. Also avoiding the mirror should help.
Please ask your hygienist about tongue cleaning and the methods available.

Click Here to view Laraine's Hygiene Tips Archive

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