Most people are concerned about having bad breath, and tongue cleaners are marketed as a way of helping to freshen up breath through removing excess debris and bacteria that can build up on the tongue. But are they really necessary? Apparently some dental experts think they’re not, and are not convinced that using one will help improve breath.

What Is the Theory behind Using a Tongue Cleaner?

The tongue does have lots of tiny little ridges and bumps which can create the ideal environment for bacteria and leftover particles of food. Tongue cleaners are small plastic devices that can be dragged gently across the surface of the tongue to help remove much of this debris. However the same effects may be achieved through using a toothbrush once you have finished brushing your teeth. It is something that is down to personal preference, and using a tongue cleaner or scraper will not do any harm, provided of course you don’t use it too roughly, and may help your tongue look less furry. So what can you do if you think you may have bad breath?

If You Are Concerned About Bad Breath Then Visit Your Dentist in Leeds

If you are concerned your breath may be less than fresh then you may be overdue for a check-up, and it’s worth booking an appointment with our dentist in Leeds City Dentalcare to find out if your halitosis is due to a dental problem. There are a number of different things that can cause bad breath.

The most common reason is simply down to something you have eaten, and if this is the case then your bad breath will be fairly temporary. When you eat certain foods than they are absorbed into your bloodstream and are eventually exhaled through the lungs, causing halitosis. In this case there is simply nothing else to do but to wait it out and try to mask the effects through using sugar-free mints and chewing gum.

Bad breath can also be caused by poor oral hygiene. Failure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day will allow bacteria to congregate around your teeth and gums, and on your tongue. Small particles of food will remain trapped in between your teeth and will gradually begin to rot, and when combined with the bacteria will create sulphurous compounds that really don’t smell too good.

If your halitosis is caused by simple inattention to hygiene than it’s worth taking action to put it right. Having your teeth professionally cleaned at our cosmetic dentistry Leeds will help remove much of the bacteria, providing the foundation for good oral care at home. If you already brush your teeth regularly then ask our dental team or Dr David Brown for tips and advice on how to improve your technique. It’s all too easy to become complacent when you brush your teeth, and to miss out areas allowing the bacteria to begin building up. We know a lot of our patients hate flossing, but we can show you different ways to floss, or can advise you on different tools to try.

Failure to improve your oral health will put you at risk of developing far more serious conditions such as gum disease and tooth decay. It’s far easier and cheaper to look after the teeth you have than to have to pay to replace them.