When it comes to oral health, we often discuss your teeth and gums. Today we are going to talk about your tongue. Your tongue is quite an interesting muscle. It’s flexible, allowing you to create sounds and speak. It co-ordinates with your teeth and jaws, so you can chew food. It also has sensors, sensitive to heat, pain, tactile, and taste.
When it comes to taste, your tongue senses bitter, salty, sweet, and sour foods. As you age, the taste buds on the sides and roof of your mouth disappear. When people say tastes change, it’s because there are less taste buds in your mouth, so foods that were once too flavourful are now delicious.
To keep your tongue in tip-top shape. Here are three steps to tongue health:
Step 1: Avoid Tongue Bling
Save the jewellery for other parts of your body. A tongue piercing will likely get infected and reinfected. Since there are billions of bacteria in your mouth, a tongue piercing is a breading ground for bacteria. The piercing can also damage tongue nerves, alter taste buds, chip/break teeth, and cause receding gums.
Step 2: Brush Your Tongue
Your tongue is an important part of your mouth. Make gently brushing your tongue a part of your daily brushing and flossing routine. A clean tongue keeps your breath fresher and your mouth healthier.
Step 3: Self Tongue Exam
Since oral cancer doesn’t always have uncomfortable side effects, detection often occurs by recognizing the symptoms and having regular dental appointments. To do a self tongue exam, stick your tongue out, examine the top, bottom, and sides in a mirror. If there are any cuts, red, or white patches that don’t go away in a couple weeks, contact your dentist. Inspecting your tongue and checking for signs of oral cancer are a huge part of routine dental appointments.
If it’s been a while since you’ve visited the dentist, book an appointment today. You can contact our office at (514) 364-3366 or click here to visit our website. Also be sure to visit our Facebook page to keep up with information that affect your dental health and wellness.
