With summer gripping us with its warm rays, many people are making an effort to look their absolute best for the summer season. There is no doubt you will be meeting many new people and reconnecting with old friends and family during the season, and many think it is important to have a perfect smile to greet them with! What many people may not realize is cleaning your tongue daily is just as important as brushing and flossing your teeth! Often left to fall to the wayside, the tongue holds a lot of bacteria that can cause many negative effects on your body. Cleaning your tongue daily can hold many benefits for your smile and the rest of your body, and the Dr. Michael Michel wants you to be as knowledgeable as possible regarding proper oral care!

One of the prominent reasons to clean your tongue is to be able to have fresher breath.  There are millions upon millions of bacteria that thrive on your tongue and, eventually, through your saliva, make their way throughout the rest of your mouth and body. Research shows that not cleaning your tongue can be the reason for 80 to 95% of halitosis (bad breath) cases. Another reason to clean your tongue every day is so you will be able to better taste your foods and drinks. Without all of the bacteria covering up the taste of your food, you will be able to fully enjoy and savor every bite and sip you take!

A very important reason to clean your tongue daily is to prevent the possibility of cardiovascular problems, infertility in men, and increased risk of diabetes. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, and when it is not taken care of, it can have brutal side effects. The bacteria that manifest on your tongue have also been linked to periodontal (gum) problems, such as tooth decay, recession of the gums, and tooth loss. In order to truly reap the benefits of having a beautiful, healthy smile, not just during summer but all year round, make an effort to clean your tongue every day, and you will not be let down!