A Simple Tongue Cleaning Can Help Denture Wearers Reduce Plaque Buildup and Reduce Bad Breath Problems

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The complete set of dentures provided for you at Dr. John McMurray’s clinic in Meridian, Idaho, were designed to replicate the basic function and appearance of your natural teeth. Even though they are created from special dental materials they will still need daily care and cleaning. This starts with rinsing and thoroughly brushing all surfaces of your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste like denture polish. Once this is done you can soak them in water and store the dental appliance away in a safe place.

Rinsing your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash or cleaning your tongue could also help freshen your breath and reduce plaque development. At the same time you might want to also consider cleaning your tongue to remove residual plaque and reduce your chances of developing bad breath. To do this, you simply take your toothbrush and work it around the sides and surfaces of your tongue. This will help physically loosen some of the plaque and bacteria from the rough surfaces.

Some people also like to use a tongue scraper to help clean their tongue. This is a simple oral hygiene device that consists of a small plastic handle with a mildly sharp edge at the end. You work from front to back making multiple overlapping sweeps of your tongue. If a little material builds up on the edge of the tongue scraper you can rinse it away.

When you’re done brushing and flossing, you can then vigorously rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash. This can help wash away any loosened plaque and kill bacteria. If you live in the Meridian, Idaho, area and you have oral hygiene concerns, you should call 208-888-3311 to schedule a checkup at Legacy Smiles Family Dental.