Who should clean their tongue?

RealAge

Everyone from young children to older adults should clean their tongue. Everyone accumulates bacteria deep in the crevices of the tongue. Many elderly people who wear dentures remove them for cleaning and forget to clean their tongue.

Continue Learning about Healthy Oral Hygiene

RealAge

Most toothpastes contain mild abrasives, which are substances designed to remove debris from your te...

RealAge

Plaque begins to form on the teeth immediately after brushing. When this plaque is not removed regul...

American Dental Association

Oral irrigators direct a stream of water to remove particles of food from around and between the t...

RealAge

The best products to use for good dental health include a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bri...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Healthy Oral Hygiene

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily constitute the basics of good oral hygiene. Keeping other parts of your mouth, such as your gums, healthy can benefit your overall health by preventing the spread of germs and disease. At-home care should be supplemented by professional care. When plaque or tartar develops, a dentist or oral hygienist will use special tools to scrape (scale) the teeth clean without damage. Flouride treatment can help keep teeth cavity-free. Learn more about healthy oral hygiene with expert advice from Sharecare.

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