When was the last time you thought about your tongue? It is often the most overlooked part of a personal oral hygiene routine. Unfortunately, many people forget that their tongue needs to be cleaned and cared for, just like teeth. Ignoring it can significantly affect your oral and overall health. Tongue health is equally as important as brushing and flossing. 

Just like a sponge, the tongue absorbs bacteria, but not all bacteria in the mouth are bad.

According to an article by Colgate, you have nearly 20 billion bacteria in your mouth at any given time, some of which have a negative effect. For instance, gram-negative, (anaerobic bacteria) forms compounds that turn into sulfur byproducts—one of the leading causes of bad breath. 

What Happens When You Don’t Clean Your Tongue? 

Just like a sponge, the tongue absorbs bacteria, but not all bacteria in the mouth are bad. Some are good and benefit your dental hygiene, but many can be harmful. That’s why it’s crucial to brush your tongue daily. 

Here is what can happen to your oral health if you ignore your tongue: 

1. 1. Halitosis. Also known as bad breath, halitosis is more problematic for people who don’t brush their tongues. 
   2. The inability to properly taste food and drinks. Bacteria left on the tongue eventually form a biofilm, which blocks your taste buds, making it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods and beverages. 
   3. Develop discoloration. Did you know bacteria are sticky? It’s easy for food and drink particles to get stuck in the bacteria. If you’re not brushing your tongue, you may develop a discolored or hairy appearance.
   4. Oral thrush. Also referred to as a yeast infection, thrush occurs when bacteria in the mouth multiply. A prescription for an antifungal medication will be required for treatment. 
   5. Gum disease. Minor or severe, you don’t want to deal with gum disease. Buildups of bacteria can create swollen, red, and irritated gums from ignoring your tongue. 

Preventative care is critical to keeping your mouth healthy and avoiding major dental work in the future! 

What Does An Unhealthy Tongue Look Like?

If you have concerns about your tongue’s health, look at its color. A healthy tongue is pink. You can also look at other indicators, such as pain while eating, drinking, and even swallowing. Here are the other signs to look out for: 

White tongue 

A common issue that affects the tongue is thick, white patches or lines. But they are usually harmless, while others require medication and attention, such as: 

• Oral thrush is significant in infants, toddlers, older adults, people with diabetes, dentures, or people who use inhaled steroids for asthma and COPD. Check for thick, white, to green cottage cheese-like patches. 
• Oral lichen planus comprises white lines across the tongue, resembling lace. The good news is that this usually goes away without treatment. 
• Leukoplakia occurs when cells overgrow in the mouth and tongue, resulting in thick, white patches. Some are benign, while others lead to cancer. For an accurate diagnosis, consult your dentist.

Don’t ignore your tongue health. For best care, be mindful of every area of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, AND tongue. 

Red tongue 

Some conditions may change your tongue color to red or purple rather than the natural pink shade, including:  

• Geographic tongue resembles a map, affecting nearly 1 to 2.5 percent of people in all age groups. You’ll notice red patches with white borders. Don’t worry. This condition is usually harmless. 
• Vitamin B deficiencies can cause a red tongue. Get your vitamin intake back on track and you’ll see an improvement.  
• Kawasaki disease causes a high fever and resembles a strawberry on the tongue. This condition is common in children under five. Note: not all cases are life-threatening. But if left untreated, the disease may increase the risks of heart complications.
• Scarlet fever coexists with strep throat, another dangerous condition requiring immediate attention. Like Kawasaki disease, both can make the tongue look like it has strawberries on top, and you may see large bumps.

Yellow tongue 

Bacterial overgrowth is the primary cause of a yellow tongue. Other influences include: 

• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Taking certain vitamins and medications 
• Psoriasis (immune system problem)
• Jaundice (this is rare) 

It’s a good rule of thumb to have dental cleanings twice a year, and if you notice significant changes in your tongue color, talk to your dentist immediately.

Why It’s Important to Keep Your Tongue Clean 

The tongue is a human organ, settled in the mouth, helping us function daily with many different activities, ranging from producing saliva to help us eat food, taste bud detection, to digesting food. The tongue is also responsible for speech and good vocalization. Here is a list of reasons why you should frequently clean your tongue: 

• Reduce bacterial growth. With more bacteria come higher risks of developing dental caries, oral infections, and other illnesses or diseases. 
• Control bad breath. No one likes smelly breath. Buildup on tongues is more than just bacteria. Between dead skin cells and food remnants, no wonder we get bad breath. Scraping the tongue clean is the best way to eliminate unpleasant breath! 
• Enjoy a fresher mouth. Thoroughly cleaning your tongue will improve the smell of your mouth and how it feels and tastes, too. 

Don’t ignore your tongue health. For best care, be mindful of every area of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, AND tongue. 

When to See A Dentist

It’s a good rule of thumb to have dental cleanings twice a year, and if you notice significant changes in your tongue color, talk to your dentist immediately. If you have any swelling, pain, or lumps on your tongue, this can be an indication of underlying issues. 

At Asheville Dental, our team is poised to give you and your family a safe and efficient experience. Our expert dental hygienists are focused on complete preventative care, using the tools to maintain healthy smiles. Let’s keep your teeth and tongue healthy today and tomorrow. Contact us today!