Brushing Roof Of Mouth? Top 107 Best Answers

Most causes of a yellow palate are not serious. However, some causes require medical attention, such as: B. jaundice, certain infections and oral cancer.

There are several possible reasons why the palate is yellow. These include poor oral hygiene, untreated infections, or other underlying medical conditions.

As with a yellow tongue, oral health, bacteria, and other infections all play a role in why your palate might be yellow.

Poor oral hygiene

Poor oral hygiene can lead to a build-up of bacteria in the mouth. As these bacteria multiply, it can change the color of the inside of the mouth. This can cause the roof of your mouth and tongue to turn yellow.

Other common symptoms of poor oral hygiene include bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums, and pain when chewing.

dry mouth or mouth breathing

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is caused when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. This can be for a medical reason, including excessive mouth breathing.

One of saliva’s jobs is to protect the mouth from the build-up of bacteria. Without enough saliva, bacteria can grow and turn the roof of your mouth yellow.

Other symptoms of dry mouth include bad breath, sticky saliva, and dry throat and tongue.

oral thrush

Oral thrush is an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth. It can cause yellow spots and bumps on the roof of your mouth. Other symptoms of oral thrush include a burning mouth, cracked corners of the lips, and a lack of taste.

While oral thrush is not generally a dangerous condition, it can cause complications if it spreads to other parts of the body.

cancerous growth

Canker sores are small, painful sores that appear in the mouth, including the roof of the mouth. Canker sores may appear red or yellow. When canker sores appear on the roof of your mouth, they can cause that area to appear yellow.

Mouth ulcer symptoms are generally mild and the sores heal within a few weeks. Canker sores that don’t heal within a few weeks should be evaluated by a dentist or doctor.

oral herpes

Oral herpes is a herpes outbreak caused by the HSV-1 virus. These cold sores can appear on the inside or outside of the mouth. Herpes blisters on the palate may appear yellow due to pus.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most common symptom before an outbreak is a tingling, itching sensation at the site of the outbreak.

jaundice

Jaundice is a serious condition caused by the build-up of a yellow pigment called bilirubin. This accumulation is most commonly caused by dysfunction of the liver or gallbladder. When bilirubin builds up in the blood, it can cause your roof of your mouth to turn yellow.

The most common symptoms of jaundice are yellow skin, yellow eyes, and flu-like symptoms. If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away.

Medicines with bismuth

Bismuth subsalicylate is a medication used to treat an upset stomach. Pepto Bismol is a common bismuth-containing drug. According to research, using medicines containing bismuth can change your tongue color from yellow to black. It can also cause the roof of your mouth to appear yellow.

Mouthwashes with oxidizing agents

There are a variety of different mouthwashes on the market. Some mouthwash formulations contain oxidizing ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide. Using these types of mouthwash can cause your tongue and roof of your mouth to turn yellow.

tobacco smoke

Tobacco smoke is one of the risk factors for poor oral hygiene. Smoking is a possible cause of a black hairy tongue, which causes the roof of your mouth to appear yellow.

Smoking is also a risk factor for oral thrush. Oral thrush patches can cause the roof of your mouth to appear yellow.

Can you clean too much?

The short answer? Yes, it is possible to brush your teeth too much. Brushing your teeth too often or too vigorously can wear down tooth enamel. Excessive brushing causes gums to recede, which can make them more susceptible to disease. Tooth enamel is the protective layer on your teeth, so wearing it down can make your teeth more sensitive and more susceptible to damage.

How often should I brush my teeth?

Most dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Failure to remove all plaque and food debris from your teeth can lead to bacterial growth and tooth decay. However, brushing your teeth between meals is not necessarily a bad thing. You should avoid brushing more than three times a day, as brushing too often wears down the enamel of your teeth. You must brush at least twice a day, but no more than three times a day.

How to prevent excessive brushing

Do not use a toothbrush with medium or hard bristles. The only reason to use these types of toothbrushes is if you have limited manual dexterity that prevents you from reaching all areas of your mouth. Toothbrushes with soft bristles can prevent tooth enamel damage. Brush your teeth gently and thoroughly.

Aggressive brushing will not remove plaque more completely than gentle brushing. Thoroughness is more important than the pressure you exert while cleaning. Electric toothbrushes can help prevent excessive brushing, so they’re a great option if you find yourself brushing too hard all the time.

Avoiding damage to your teeth is not just about attentive care. You must ensure that you take all necessary steps to protect your teeth. To learn more about how you can improve your oral hygiene routine, contact us at Jenson Dental in Brigham City today!

If the damage does not have a simple cause, e.g. B. a burn from hot coffee, you may need to go into detective mode to gather information about the situation. Additional information can help you and your dentist to get to the bottom of the problem. Here are some questions to ask yourself when you notice sagging, flaking, or peeling skin in your mouth.

1. Is the problem related to a new oral health product?

Some dental patients show visible reactions to an ingredient in an oral health product. If you’ve recently started using a new toothpaste, mouthwash, or even floss, consider going back to your previous routine for a few weeks to see if the problem resolves.

However, make sure to consult your dentist before making any changes to your dental health routine. And if you suspect you’re currently having an allergic reaction, don’t take it lightly; Some allergies can be life-threatening, so seek medical help immediately.

2. Do you have any food allergies?

Your oral health products aren’t the only thing you might be sensitive to. Another possible cause of a mouth reaction could be an allergy to foods you have eaten. If you have known allergies, the problem could coincide with an allergic reaction. Or maybe you have allergies that you don’t know about yet.

Unless your dentist can find another reason for the peeling skin in your mouth, consider asking for an allergy test.

3. Are you at risk for thrush?

A Candida yeast overgrowth can sometimes lead to oral thrush. The typical symptom is white patches that may look like peeling, loose skin, especially on the tongue. Yeast can also cause lips and skin at the corners of the mouth to peel and crack. If this is similar to what you are experiencing, be sure to see your dentist for a diagnosis and treatment. Oral thrush can be easy to treat.

You’re more likely to get oral thrush if you have a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes, or if you’ve recently taken antibiotics. If none of this applies to you and you still get oral thrush, talk to your doctor about getting some tests to see if you have problems with your immune system.

4. Do you have other symptoms?

If your skin is not only peeling, but also painful and looks different than it used to be, you should definitely see your dentist. Oral thrush isn’t the only option that can cause white patches on the inside of your mouth; Alternatively, you could develop a condition like oral lichen planus.

Oral lichen planus, unlike Candida, is a chronic condition that affects the skin inside your mouth. This condition requires a skin biopsy for diagnosis. The condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as swelling, pain, spikes or lines, and blisters. Peeling does not always occur, but it can be a symptom of this condition.

5. Do you bite your cheeks?

Some people may chew the insides of their lips or even cheeks, damaging the skin, either accidentally or intentionally. This habit could be due to bruxism, a condition that makes you grind your teeth while you sleep. Or the habit could be considered a body-related repetitive disorder if it occurs while awake.

As you may know, once you’ve formed a habit, it can be difficult to quit. Talk to your dentist about treatments for bruxism if you suspect you’re biting your cheeks at night, or treatments for the daytime habit of biting your cheeks if you’re doing it consciously. Since stress can be a trigger, if possible, try to lower your stress levels as well.

As you can see, a problem with peeling or loose skin in your mouth can result from a variety of issues. So if you notice an unusual amount of peeling skin in your mouth or other worrying symptoms about the skin of your mouth or tongue, be sure to consult your dentist. Contact the Scott W. Murphy Dentistry office today to schedule an appointment.

If you notice some skin peeling off in your mouth, you might be wondering if that’s a big deal or not.

Palate, in vertebrate anatomy, the palate that separates the oral and nasal cavities. It consists of an anterior hard palate made of bone and, in mammals, a posterior soft palate that has no skeletal support and ends in a fleshy, elongated protrusion called the uvula.

The hard palate, which makes up two-thirds of the total palatal surface, is a bony plate covered by a moist, persistent layer of mucosal tissue that secretes small amounts of mucus. This layer forms multiple ridges that help grip food as the tongue moves it during chewing. The hard palate provides space for the tongue to move freely and provides a rigid floor for the nasal cavity so pressure in the mouth does not occlude the nasal passage. In many of the lower vertebrates the hard palate bears teeth.

Britannica Quiz What Lies Under the Skin: A Human Anatomy Quiz The human body is made up of many different systems that work together to create an amazing machine. Do you know what your body is made of? Take our human anatomy quiz and find out.

The soft palate is made up of muscle and connective tissue that give it both flexibility and support. This palate is very flexible. When raised for swallowing and sucking, it completely blocks and separates the nasal cavity and nasal part of the pharynx from the mouth and oral part of the pharynx. While elevated, the soft palate creates a vacuum in the oral cavity that keeps food out of the airway.

The first well-developed palates are found in reptiles, but only in the form of a hard partition. Human-like palates are found only in birds and some mammals. In some whales, the mucous membrane forms hardened plates known as baleen or whalebone.

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In the human anomaly of the cleft palate, the separation between the nose and mouth is incomplete, allowing food to enter the nose and interfere with speech. This condition can be corrected surgically.

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Is COVID Tongue A Real Symptom?

May 20, 2022

First it was a loss of smell and taste, then it was COVID toes, then it was delirium and hallucinations. Overall, these unusual symptoms of COVID-19 were part of a growing list that seemed to change weekly as patients encountered new and undiagnosed problems.

Can we also add the COVID tongue to this list? Some people with COVID have experienced changes to their tongue, such as inflammation and swelling, and have turned to the internet for answers. But are these complications random, or is there evidence that they are specifically linked to the coronavirus? This blog will help answer those questions.

What is COVID tongue?

There seems to be no debate as to whether a minority of COVID patients experience mouth and tongue-related symptoms. The bigger question is whether the coronavirus is the culprit.

The first mention of COVID tongue came in 2021, when a British professor of genetic epidemiology tweeted about tongue changes – mainly inflammation – and an increased occurrence of mouth ulcers in COVID patients. The finding came from an app called the ZOE COVID Symptom Study, which tracks the different symptoms associated with the coronavirus.

The same professor estimated that around 1 in 500 patients suffer from a COVID tongue. However, a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that COVID caused some type of oral cavity finding in 10 percent of patients.

In either case, the true nature of the tongue symptoms associated with COVID remains largely unknown. A single study with fewer than 1,000 people is too small a sample size to draw any meaningful conclusions. On the other hand, some COVID symptoms, especially minor ones, tend to be underreported. There’s also the possibility that doctors don’t see many cases up close for two reasons: patients wear masks and the focus is mostly on respiratory or heart health — not the mouth.

Because of the ambiguity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesn’t list problems with your tongue on its COVID-19 symptom laundry list. Additionally, in 2021, the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology released a statement stating that the oral lesions in the study are common oral conditions that are not specific to COVID-19 infection.

What causes these tongue changes?

In general, many common tongue problems such as cold sores, canker sores, oral thrush, or hairy tongue are caused by viral or bacterial infections. Poor oral hygiene can also contribute to tongue problems. However, there are several possible explanations – both direct and indirect – for why tongue changes may coincide with COVID infection.

Your tongue and mouth (buccal lining and lingual epithelium) have many angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2 receptors) to which the coronavirus binds. One theory is that the virus can concentrate in the mouth area, causing swelling and inflammation. The virus can also affect the salivary glands, reducing the amount of saliva and causing dry mouth.

Another theory indirectly linked to the coronavirus is a by-product of certain patients being hospitalized. There have been some reports of macroglossia, a disorder in which the tongue is larger than normal, in people intubated for COVID. People who have been intubated for weeks are often placed on their stomachs to increase oxygen flow. Macroglossia is a rare side effect of being in this position for an extended period of time.

In other cases, oral symptoms like oral thrush can be a side effect of medications made available to treat COVID. Usually, the fungus that causes oral thrush stays dormant, but steroids or inhaled medications to treat inflammation can weaken your immune system to the point where oral thrush grows rapidly.

There is also a belief that COVID’s attack on your immune system leaves it vulnerable to other secondary viruses, which become activated and become symptomatic. For example, the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), acquired primarily in childhood through nonsexual contact with saliva (shared toothbrushes, drinks, toys, etc.), can become symptomatic through viral infection and cause cold sores.

The reality is that these oral complications can be completely accidental. Finally, stress, anxiety, and poor oral hygiene — all of which were present during the pandemic — can make these conditions worse.

What are COVID tongue symptoms?

In the same UK study from the British Journal of Dermatology, the following symptoms were noted:

Lingual papillitis (inflammation of the small bumps on the surface of the tongue)

Glossitis with indentations (swollen or inflamed tongue)

Aphthous ulcers (mouth ulcers)

Glossitis with patchy depapillation (inflammation of the tongue that creates a pattern, also called geographic tongue)

Mucositis (inflammation and swelling of the moist tissue called mucosa)

It is important to note that these symptoms should not be used to diagnose COVID. These tongue and mouth problems can occur with other viral infections, for example. Instead, discussing these symptoms is more of an indicator of how widespread the reach of COVID is.

Is there a treatment for the COVID tongue?

If your tongue problems are indeed a direct symptom of COVID-19, treating the symptoms – not the virus – is best, as there is no cure for COVID yet.

Here are some treatment options for various tongue complications:

Black hairy tongue: This is an overgrowth of bacteria that occurs on the surface of the tongue, also called hyperkeratosis. Most often this is due to poor oral hygiene. Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove food and bacteria. More advanced treatment options include antifungal medications, mouthwashes, or retinoids (derived from vitamin A).

: This is an overgrowth of bacteria that occurs on the surface of the tongue, also called hyperkeratosis. Most often this is due to poor oral hygiene. Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove food and bacteria. More advanced treatment options include antifungal medications, mouthwashes, or retinoids (derived from vitamin A). Cold sores: The virus that causes cold sores is usually present from a young age, which means your body has built up antibodies to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Nonetheless, cold sores can be painful. Most go away on their own within 7 to 10 days without treatment. Over-the-counter gels and antiseptic mouthwashes can provide temporary relief. In more severe cases, antiviral treatments can help.

: The virus that causes cold sores is usually present from a young age, which means your body has built up antibodies to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Nonetheless, cold sores can be painful. Most go away on their own within 7 to 10 days without treatment. Over-the-counter gels and antiseptic mouthwashes can provide temporary relief. In more severe cases, antiviral treatments can help. Dry Mouth: Staying hydrated is the easiest way to keep a dry mouth moist. You should also avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, tobacco, and salty or spicy foods, as these can make dry mouth worse. A dentist may also suggest artificial saliva to moisten your mouth.

: Staying hydrated is the easiest way to keep a dry mouth moist. You should also avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, tobacco, and salty or spicy foods, as these can make dry mouth worse. A dentist may also suggest artificial saliva to moisten your mouth. Geographic Tongue: There is no treatment for this tongue condition. Most cases of geographic tongue do not cause pain. In this case, over-the-counter gels and antiseptic mouthwashes can provide temporary relief.

: There is no treatment for this tongue disorder. Most cases of geographic tongue do not cause pain. In this case, over-the-counter gels and antiseptic mouthwashes can provide temporary relief. Glossitis: Inflammation or swelling of the tongue caused by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection is treated with medication to get rid of the infection. For symptomatic treatment, anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving mouthwashes and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help.

: Inflammation or swelling of the tongue caused by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection is treated with medication to get rid of the infection. For symptomatic treatment, anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving mouthwashes and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help. Oral thrush: A form of yeast infection known as candidiasis, oral thrush occurs in adults when the immune system is suppressed or when antibiotics or inhaled steroids interfere with the good bacteria in your mouth. Treatment for oral thrush includes antifungal medications that come in the form of lozenges, tablets, or a mouthwash.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are having problems with your tongue, see your GP. They can help you treat your infection or refer you to an otolaryngologist (ENT).

theme resources

The mouth is the entrance to both the digestive and respiratory systems. The inside of the mouth is lined with mucous membranes. In a healthy state, the color of the buccal mucosa (oral mucosa) ranges from reddish-pink to shades of brown or black. The lining of the mouth tends to be darker in black people because their melanocytes (cells that produce melanin, a pigment that gives hair, skin and eyes their color) are more active. The gums (gingivae) are usually lighter in comparison and nestle tightly against the teeth.

The palate, which is the roof of the mouth, is divided into two parts. The front part has ridges and is hard (hard palate). The back part is relatively smooth and soft (soft palate).

The moist mucous membrane that lines the mouth continues outwards, forming the pink and shiny part of the lips, which meets the skin of the face at the vermilion rim. Although the mucous membrane of the lips is moistened by saliva, it tends to dry out.

The uvula is a narrow muscular structure that hangs at the back of the mouth and is visible when a person says “ahh.” The uvula attaches to the back of the soft palate, which separates the bridge of the nose from the back of the mouth. Normally the cone hangs vertically.

The tongue lies on the floor of the mouth and is used to taste and mix food. The tongue is usually not smooth. It is covered with tiny projections (papillae) that contain taste buds, some of which sense the taste of food.

The sense of taste is relatively simple and distinguishes sweet, sour, salty, bitter and savory (also called umami, the taste of the flavoring compound monosodium glutamate). These tastes can be felt all over the tongue, but certain areas are more sensitive to each taste. Sweet detectors are located on the tip of the tongue. Salt detectors are located on the fronts of the tongue. Acid detectors are located on the sides of the tongue. Bitter detectors are located in the back third of the tongue.

A look at the mouth

The salivary glands produce saliva. There are three major pairs of salivary glands: parotid, submandibular, and sublingual. In addition to the large salivary glands, many small salivary glands are distributed in the mouth. Saliva travels from the glands to the mouth through small tubes (ducts).

A torus palatinus is a bony growth that develops on the palate. These growths come in many different forms and they can be very small or quite large. A torus palatinus is not cancerous or harmful. However, since serious medical conditions can cause similar growths, it’s important to have a doctor examine any changes in the mouth. In this article, learn more about Tori Palatini, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Symptoms The hard palate, or roof of the mouth, is slightly rounded and usually smooth. However, some people may find a hard lump or bulge protruding from this area. This knot, called the torus palatinus, can develop over time. In other cases, a person can have it all their life. Some symptoms a person may notice if they have a torus palatinus are: one or more hard lumps at the top of the mouth

painless bumps at the top of the mouth

Difficulty fitting orthodontic appliances or mouthguards correctly

a speech impediment or a change in speech pattern if the growths are large

or a change in speech patterns if the growths are large Difficulty fitting dentures to the palate

Difficulty chewing if the growths are new, large, or near teeth

difficulties swallowing

Food gets stuck around the growths Some signs and symptoms that the growths might be something other than a torus palatinus are: The presence of other symptoms, such as fever or swelling

gum ulcers

on the gums the presence of growths elsewhere on the body

feel sick or notice other unexplained symptoms

the growths become painful

Symptoms of tooth decay, such as broken teeth, toothache or severely swollen gums

Causes Tori palatini are common, affecting approximately 20-30% of people in the United States. They appear to be more common in women and in people of Asian or Inuit descent. However, doctors do not understand what causes them or why they are more common in some groups than others. Some possible causes and risk factors could be: Age: The growths are more common in people over the age of 30.

The growths are more common in people over the age of 30. Mouth shape and bite structure: The shape of a person’s mouth, crowded teeth, and other factors can increase risk.

The shape of a person’s mouth, crowded teeth, and other factors can increase risk. Genetics: A 2015 study of twins suggests a strong genetic link for bony outgrowths in the mouth, even in those who have other risk factors.

A 2015 study of twins suggests a strong genetic link for bony growths in the mouth, even in those who have other risk factors. Teeth grinding: People who grind their teeth may be more likely to develop these bony growths.

People who grind their teeth may be more likely to develop these bony growths. Bone mineral density: Changes in bone mineral density can cause torus palatinus. Some older studies suggest that older adults with a torus palatinus have higher bone mineral density than their peers.

Treatments tori palatini are usually harmless. They don’t usually need treatment unless they affect a person’s speech, ability to swallow, or daily life. However, removal may be required before a prosthesis is made. In this case, a dentist may recommend surgery to remove the growth or modifying the shape of the dental appliance to fit around the growth. Several other medical conditions can also cause swollen growths in the mouth, including the hard palate. These include: an abscessed tooth, which can cause a swelling or cyst on or near an infected tooth

Oral cancer, which can cause unusual growths on the roof of your mouth or throat

a cyst in the mouth

Injuries to the mouth from sharp or hot food, dental appliances, teeth grinding, or trauma such as a blow to the mouth

an infected sore in the mouth

Complications Tori palatini are not dangerous. The growths do not cause cancer, infection, or other serious complications. However, like any growth in the body, it can interfere with normal functioning. Very large growths and those that are close to other structures are more likely to cause complications. Some common problems include: Mouth discomfort: A person may find that the growth interferes with the normal positioning of their tongue or makes it difficult to close their mouth or rest comfortably.

A person may find that the growth interferes with the normal positioning of their tongue or makes it difficult to close their mouth or rest comfortably. Swallowing: Depending on the location of the growth, a person may have difficulty swallowing.

Depending on the location of growth, a person may experience difficulty swallowing. Eating and chewing: Food can stick to the growth or make it difficult to swallow.

Food can get stuck on growth or make swallowing difficult. Oral Hygiene: Sometimes the growth can make it difficult to brush your teeth effectively. When food gets stuck growing, it can lead to oral health problems like bad breath and tooth decay.

Sometimes the growth can make it difficult to brush your teeth effectively. When food gets stuck growing, it can lead to oral health problems like bad breath and tooth decay. Speech problems: Occasionally, the growth can make it difficult to move the tongue and mouth properly when speaking. This can cause a person to develop speech problems such as a lisp.

Occasionally, the growth can make it difficult to move the tongue and mouth properly when speaking. This can cause a person to develop speech problems such as a lisp. Fear: Some people are insecure about growth. Others may fear it becoming cancerous, especially if they keep developing new growths.

When to See a Doctor A person should see a doctor or dentist for any unusual growths in their mouth. Even if it looks like a torus palatinus, it’s important to rule out other possible causes. People with a history of tori palatini should see a doctor if: they notice new growths

the growths become painful

the growths cause new symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or speaking

the growths do not go away in a few weeks

the growths change in size or color

They develop other symptoms, such as B. bleeding from the growths, pain in the mouth, bad breath, broken teeth or other oral health problems

You know the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day, and you often hear the importance of flossing daily. What you probably don’t hear often is that maintaining good oral health and hygiene requires cleaning your tongue. The tongue has the most bacteria-rich parts of our body. A tongue not only has taste buds, but also crevices, bumps, and all sorts of tiny structures that bacteria can hide in if not physically removed.

Why is it important to brush your tongue?

At Sun-Park Dental we advise our patients to brush their tongue. It is important to brush your tongue for the following reasons:

Prevents Tooth Decay and Periodontitis: No matter how well you brush your teeth, bacteria or small bits of food that collect on your tongue can reach your teeth and gums. Brushing your teeth can prevent potential problems in the oral cavity such as tooth decay and periodontitis.

Improves Your Breath: The presence of bacteria on the tongue can cause bad breath or bad breath. Brushing your teeth regularly can remove such harmful bacteria. This can also give you fresher breath and a healthy oral cavity.

Avoiding Black Hairy Tongue Formation: This dark, hair-like appearance occurs when the small bumps on your tongue called papillae become discolored from eating dark foods and drinks, such as red wine, coffee, or soda.

Tooth bacteria cannot be removed simply by rinsing: Using mouthwash and gargling cannot help remove the bacteria on your tongue as they adhere to a sticky film and therefore you should carefully brush and clean your tongue to remove it .

how can you brush your tongue

There are specific ways to clean your tongue:

Toothbrushes: You don’t need a fancy tool to clean your tongue. You can simply brush your tongue with a standard toothbrush, following short side-to-side and back-and-forth strokes. You can also do this while brushing your teeth or after brushing your teeth.

Specialty Tongue Scrapers: Specialty tongue scrapers are designed to remove bacteria by scraping the layer of mucus on your tongue. You can buy them at any drug store and they are quite cheap.

Toothbrushes with built-in scrapers: Some toothbrushes come with built-in scrapers on the back of the handle. You can brush your tongue first and then scrape it to ensure thorough cleaning.

Call us at 916-435-1155 or schedule an online appointment with Dr. Nguyen for a consultation at our Rocklin, CA office.

You’ve heard all your life that you need to brush and floss twice a day. But have you ever thought about brushing properly? As it turns out, there are both bad and recommended methods of brushing. If you want a successful dental check-up and healthy teeth, these tips will help you:

Choose the right brush

If you thought that big, stiff-bristled toothbrush your last dentist gave you is right for you, think again. Your tooth enamel deserves to be treated with care. Choose a medium-sized, soft-bristled brush for the most effective cleaning. If you have an electric toothbrush, choose a brush head with soft bristles. Other conveniences like a large brush tip, angled head, or tongue cleaner are great perks, but not essential.

Choose the right toothpaste

There are tons of options at the grocery store: mint, striped, whitening, tartar control, full care, etc. Look for an ADA-approved toothpaste, especially if you’re looking for a whitening brand. Otherwise, a complete brand of grooming products will help keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh.

Move in the right direction

The purpose of brushing your teeth is to sweep away plaque and prevent plaque from building up on your teeth and under your gums. If you brush the fronts of your teeth with a criss-cross motion, you won’t be very effective. Save your lateral movements for the biting surface of your teeth and pay close attention to the backs of your molars. An up and down or circular motion at an angle of about 45 degrees is the best way to brush the front and back of your teeth.

Keep cleaning!

Think your 30 second brush is enough? think again Brushing helps eliminate bacteria that cause tooth decay and bad breath. But to really get the job done, you have to clean for a full 2 ​​minutes!

Finish off with dental floss

Every time you brush, you should also floss. Use a piece of dental floss or a single dental floss to get between teeth. Dental floss cleans the spaces between your teeth and the space between your teeth and gums. Not only will you be able to remove that piece of apple stuck between your teeth, you will also prevent bacteria from taking hold and causing gum disease.

Keeping your teeth healthy is not a difficult task and we hope these suggestions will help you. When you get to your six month appointment you will notice a difference. If you haven’t scheduled your next exam yet, contact Pier Dental Center to schedule an appointment.

theme resources

The mouth is the entrance to both the digestive and respiratory systems. The inside of the mouth is lined with mucous membranes. In a healthy state, the color of the buccal mucosa (oral mucosa) ranges from reddish-pink to shades of brown or black. The lining of the mouth tends to be darker in black people because their melanocytes (cells that produce melanin, a pigment that gives hair, skin and eyes their color) are more active. The gums (gingivae) are usually lighter in comparison and nestle tightly against the teeth.

The palate, which is the roof of the mouth, is divided into two parts. The front part has ridges and is hard (hard palate). The back part is relatively smooth and soft (soft palate).

The moist mucous membrane that lines the mouth continues outwards, forming the pink and shiny part of the lips, which meets the skin of the face at the vermilion rim. Although the mucous membrane of the lips is moistened by saliva, it tends to dry out.

The uvula is a narrow muscular structure that hangs at the back of the mouth and is visible when a person says “ahh.” The uvula attaches to the back of the soft palate, which separates the bridge of the nose from the back of the mouth. Normally the cone hangs vertically.

The tongue lies on the floor of the mouth and is used to taste and mix food. The tongue is usually not smooth. It is covered with tiny projections (papillae) that contain taste buds, some of which sense the taste of food.

The sense of taste is relatively simple and distinguishes sweet, sour, salty, bitter and savory (also called umami, the taste of the flavoring compound monosodium glutamate). These tastes can be felt all over the tongue, but certain areas are more sensitive to each taste. Sweet detectors are located on the tip of the tongue. Salt detectors are located on the fronts of the tongue. Acid detectors are located on the sides of the tongue. Bitter detectors are located in the back third of the tongue.

A look at the mouth

The salivary glands produce saliva. There are three major pairs of salivary glands: parotid, submandibular, and sublingual. In addition to the large salivary glands, many small salivary glands are distributed in the mouth. Saliva travels from the glands to the mouth through small tubes (ducts).

Taking care of your teeth and mouth

Healthy teeth and gums make it easy for you to eat well and enjoy good food. Several issues can affect the health of your mouth, but good care should keep your teeth and gums strong as you age.

Caries

Teeth are covered with a hard, outer layer called enamel. Every day a thin film of bacteria called plaque builds up on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that can damage tooth enamel and cause tooth decay. Brushing and flossing can prevent tooth decay, but once a cavity has formed, a dentist must repair it with a filling to prevent further damage.

Use fluoridated toothpaste to protect your teeth from cavities. If you’re at higher risk of tooth decay (for example, if you have dry mouth from a medical condition or from taking medicines), you may need more fluoride. Your dentist or dental hygienist may give you a fluoride treatment when you visit the office or direct you to use a fluoride gel or mouthwash at home.

gingivitis

Gum disease begins when plaque builds up along and under your gumline. Plaque causes an infection that injures the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. Mild gum disease can make your gums red, sensitive and more likely to bleed. This problem, called gingivitis, can often be resolved with daily brushing and flossing.

A more severe form of gum disease, called periodontal disease, needs to be treated by a dentist. Left untreated, this infection can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems and even tooth loss.

How to prevent gum disease:

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

floss regularly.

Visit your dentist regularly for a check-up and cleaning. Tell the dentist about any medical conditions you have and medications you are taking.

Eat a balanced diet.

Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk of gum disease.

How to clean your teeth and gums

There is a right way to brush and floss your teeth. Every day:

Gently brush your teeth from all sides with a soft-bristled brush and fluoridated toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.

Use small circular motions and short back and forth motions.

Gently and gently brush along your gum line.

Lightly brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to keep your mouth clean.

Clean between your teeth with dental floss, pre-packaged dental floss, an oral irrigator, or a similar product. This removes plaque and food debris that a toothbrush cannot reach.

Rinse after flossing.

People with arthritis or other conditions that limit hand movement may find it difficult to hold and use a toothbrush. Some helpful tips are:

Use an electric or battery-powered toothbrush.

Buy a toothbrush with a larger handle.

Secure the toothbrush handle to your hand with a wide elastic band.

See your dentist if brushing or flossing causes your gums to bleed or your mouth hurts. If you have trouble flossing, a dental floss holder can help. Ask your dentist to show you the right way to floss.

dentures

Sometimes false teeth (dentures) are needed to replace badly damaged teeth or teeth lost due to gum disease. Partial dentures can be used to fill in one or more missing teeth. Dentures can feel strange at first. In the beginning, your dentist may want to see you frequently to make sure the dentures fit. Over time, the shape of your gums will change and your dentures may need to be adjusted or replaced. Be sure to leave these adjustments to your dentist.

Be careful if you wear dentures as you may have a harder time feeling hot foods and drinks or noticing bones in your food. Learning to eat with dentures can be easier if you:

Start with soft, non-sticky foods.

Cut your food into small pieces.

Chew slowly with both sides of your mouth.

Keep your dentures clean and free from foods that can cause stains or bad breath. Avoid small crunchy foods that can get stuck under dentures and injure your gums. Brush the prosthesis daily with a prosthesis care product and soak it in water or a prosthesis cleaning liquid at night. Be sure to keep them out of your mouth while you sleep to avoid swollen gums.

Dry mouth

Dry mouth occurs when you don’t have enough saliva or spit to keep your mouth moist. It can make eating, swallowing, tasting, and even speaking difficult. Dry mouth can increase the risk of cavities, fungal infections in the mouth and cavities. Many common medications can cause this problem. For example, medications for high blood pressure, depression, and bladder control problems often cause dry mouth.

Oral Health Resources for Caregivers Download these oral health tips for older adults and caregivers from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

There are things you can do that can help. Try drinking water or sugar-free drinks. Do not smoke and avoid alcohol, caffeine, soft drinks and acidic fruit juices. Avoid spicy or salty foods. Sugar-free candy or sugar-free gum that’s a little tart can help. Your dentist or doctor may suggest using artificial saliva to keep your mouth moist.

oral cancer

Oral cancer can start in any part of the mouth or throat, including the tongue. It’s more likely to happen in people over 40. A dental exam is a good time for your dentist to check for signs of oral cancer. Pain is not usually an early symptom of the disease. Treatment works best before the disease spreads. Even if you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, you should see your dentist regularly for oral cancer screening.

There are several ways you can lower your risk of developing oral cancer:

Do not use tobacco products such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipes or cigars.

If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

Use lip balm with sunscreen.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are relatively new, and scientists are still learning about their long-term health effects. However, we do know that e-cigarette vapor contains cancer-causing chemicals.

Find affordable dental care

Dental care can be expensive. Medicare does not cover routine dental care, and some states limit dental coverage under Medicaid. You may want to find out about private dental insurance for the elderly. Make sure you are clear about the costs and what is covered. The following resources can help you find affordable dental treatment:

Some dental schools have clinics where students can gain experience treating patients at a reduced cost. Qualified dentists look after the students. Visit the NIDCR website for a list of US dental clinics and other places that offer affordable treatments.

Dental hygiene schools can provide supervised, low-cost care as part of dental hygienist training. Contact your local university or college to see if they have a program available.

Call your county or state health department to find dental clinics in your area that charge based on your income. View a list of state oral health programs.

To find a community health center near you that offers dental services, visit www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

United Way chapters may be able to direct you to free or discount dental services in your community. Call 211 to reach a local United Way representative or visit www.unitedway.org/find-your-united-way.

Read more on this topic in Spanish. Lea sobre este thema en español.

Learn more about healthy teeth and gums

American Dental Association

800-621-8099

[email protected]

www.mouthhealthy.org/de

American Dental Hygienists’ Association

312-440-8900

www.adha.org

Health Resources and Services Administration Information Center

www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research

866-232-4528

[email protected]

www.nidcr.nih.gov

www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2018-10/older-adults-oral-health.pdf

This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA researchers and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date.