{"id":55,"date":"2020-06-20T00:55:17","date_gmt":"2020-06-20T00:55:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.youramericandentalcare.com\/blog\/?p=55"},"modified":"2020-06-20T00:55:21","modified_gmt":"2020-06-20T00:55:21","slug":"how-should-i-clean-my-tongue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youramericandentalcare.com\/blog\/2020\/06\/20\/how-should-i-clean-my-tongue\/","title":{"rendered":"How Should I Clean My Tongue?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Woman<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Brushing and flossing is extremely important to do every day for optimal oral health. Cleaning your tongue is another necessary step to remember. Your tongue is a major feature of the mouth. You use it every day to eat your favorite foods and speak to your friends and family. Your dentist<\/a> can tell you how to properly clean your tongue and why it\u2019s so important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Do I Need to Clean My Tongue?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like teeth, bacteria builds up on your tongue. The tiny bumps on the tongue are called papillae. Between the papillae, bacteria, dead skin cells, and particles of food collect. When it becomes trapped, you can develop bad breath and a white discoloration of the tongue. Bacteria can also spread from your tongue to your teeth, increasing the likelihood of plaque and tartar build up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the Best Way to Clean My Tongue?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are two ways to properly clean your tongue:<\/p>\n\n\n\n