Overcoming disorders of the tongue starts with keeping it clean

Compared to teeth, the tongue is a part of the mouth that is often neglected for hygiene and health. Even though cleaning the tongue is as important as routine brushing with the right technique. However, did you know that there are several disorders on the tongue caused by a dirty tongue?

Dr. Puneet Ahuja, Senior Consultant Dental Surgery at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute India, says that some infections can be caused due to poor tongue hygiene.

How to deal with tongue disorders?

Pain in the tongue to physical changes in the tongue known as glossitis is a disorder of the tongue due to inflammation. The causes range from genetic factors, allergic reactions, infections, dry mouth, malnutrition, and trauma to the mouth.

Most causes of glossitis are self-limiting and do not require serious treatment. Practicing good oral hygiene regularly can relieve symptoms of inflammation of the tongue.

Some specific treatments for treating disorders of the tongue as a symptom and cause of glossitis include:

• Mouthwash, using a mouthwash containing corticosteroids and lidocaine which can relieve acute exacerbations of migratory glossitis.
• Intramuscular vitamin B12, this vitamin injection can be done if you have atrophic glossitis.
• Antifungal drugsThis type of medication may be used if symptoms are associated with a yeast infection, for example as a remedy for median rhomboid glossitis.
• Discontinue medication that triggers glossitis, stopping the use of diuretic drugs, diabetes drugs, or drugs to reduce high blood pressure that triggers glossitis must consult a doctor first.

The goal of treating glossitis or inflammation of the tongue is to reduce the swelling and pain that is felt. Therefore, most people do not need to go to the hospital, unless the tongue is very swollen.

Some treatments that can be done starting from daily habits that can help reduce the condition, including:

• Good oral care by applying the correct brushing technique thoroughly and regularly.
• Using dental floss (dental floss) at least once a day to help brush your teeth.
• Antibiotics or other drugs to treat infections.
• Dietary changes and supplements to address the causes of malnutrition that can trigger glossitis.
• Avoid hot and spicy foods, reduce alcohol and tobacco consumption.

The treatment and treatment of glossitis is determined by the cause. In general, the most you can do is keep your tongue clean and healthy.

Therefore, it is important for you to know how to maintain good tongue health in order to avoid a number of infections in tongue disorders that can affect your overall health.

What is the condition of a healthy tongue?

A healthy pink tongue with tiny spots called papillae that have a thin white coating on them. Dr. Puneet Ahuja says that having a pink tongue isn't a myth at all, it's a fact that everyone should know.

If your tongue is black, yellow, white, or even red, it indicates that your tongue may be unclean and the condition is unhealthy.

How to clean your tongue?

Ignoring tongue care can have negative effects. The tongue shows signs of problems when it changes color.

In some cases, the discoloration of the tongue is also accompanied by pain or discomfort. A discolored or painful tongue can indicate more serious health problems, such as vitamin deficiency, AIDS, and oral cancer.

To prevent various disorders of the tongue that may occur, you must maintain the health of the tongue in the following ways.

1. Clean the tongue with a special tongue cleaner

Dr. Euan Swan from the Canadian Dental Association in Ottawa said that the surface of the tongue can accommodate a lot of bacteria. The accumulation of germs on the tongue can be one of the causes of bad breath.

The bacteria trapped in the tongue can travel to other parts of your mouth. This can lead to plaque buildup which leads to tooth decay and gum and mouth disease.

Therefore, dr. Ahuja said an important way to keep the tongue healthy is to clean it using a special tongue cleaner tool. You can use it by pulling it from the base to the tip of the tongue. Repeat this activity two to three times while the tongue cleansing process takes place.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, clean the tongue with tongue cleaner or tongue cleaners can remove bacteria and food debris stuck to the tongue.

In addition, this tool is also able to reduce sulfur compounds that often cause bad breath. How to clean the tongue with tongue cleaner the correct ones, among others:

• choose tongue cleaner made of plastic or metal. You can find them easily in stores.
• While in the mirror, stick your tongue out. Then stick the tool on the inner tongue area.
• Then, squeeze the tool and move it forward.
• After that, gargle with warm water to remove dirt and bacteria. Do this several times for maximum results.
• Then wash the cleaning tool with water to keep it clean and store it in a dry place.

Marc Lowenberg, a cosmetic dentist in New York, says at least you clean your tongue once a day. Use a tongue cleaner after brushing your teeth either in the morning or at night.

After using a tongue cleaner, it is recommended that you use a non-alcoholic mouthwash or rinse your mouth with warm water.

2. Clean the tongue using a toothbrush

Although it is less effective, you can use this method as a second option in cleaning the tongue. This method is easier to do and remember because it is generally done after brushing your teeth.

However, you should use this method with caution. The reason is, many people often make mistakes, such as rubbing too hard or too deep. The tongue can be injured and you can vomit because of this.

Safe ways to use a toothbrush to clean the tongue include:

• Choose a toothbrush with soft and clean bristles.
• While in the mirror, stick your tongue forward. Position the toothbrush on the inside of the tongue.
• Then, gently brush the toothbrush from back to front,
• Remove the collected saliva and gargle several times with clean water.
• Do this after you brush your teeth for maximum results.

3. Drink lots of water

Consume two liters of water per day to keep the body hydrated. This method can also help keep your tongue pink and healthy because water helps clean the bacteria on your tongue and keeps it moist.

Consuming enough water also prevents your mouth from drying out which risks encouraging microbial growth on the surface of the tongue.

4. Gargle with salt water

To keep your tongue healthy, you can rinse your mouth with salt water. The trick, fill the glass half full with warm water and put half a teaspoon of salt in it. Then, use the liquid to rinse your mouth.

In an article published in the British Dental Journal, salt water rinses are useful for increasing the pH in the mouth so they can inhibit bacterial growth.

5. Do not use jewelry on the tongue

Getting body piercing carries a risk of infection for the body. According to the Canadian Dental Association, the risk of infection due to tongue piercings is much higher.

This is because the mouth and tongue are full of bacteria. In addition, the metal jewelry used can also damage your teeth and gums. Even the tongue piercing procedure itself can damage nerves which can make the tongue lose its sensitivity.

How to clean a baby's tongue?

As a parent, you also need to keep your baby's tongue clean. In some conditions the baby's tongue will be white which causes the baby to be fussy and has no appetite.

White tongue in babies is a normal condition if it is caused by residual milk sticking to the tongue. This condition is more common in infants with tongue tie . These white stains are easy to clean and generally only around the tongue.

While the baby's white tongue to watch out for is caused by a mouth yeast infection called Candida albicans which is also known as oral thrush . This condition is more difficult to remove and can spread to other parts of the oral cavity, such as the inner cheeks and gums.

To clean the baby's tongue to avoid yeast infections and other oral health problems, you can do the following:

• Prepare gauze, cotton, or clean cloth with a glass of drinking water.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap until they are clean and sterile.
• Wrap the tip of the index finger in gauze, cotton, or a clean cloth and moisten with drinking water.
• Position the baby in a safe and comfortable condition, just like when you were about to breastfeed him.
• Place your finger gently on the corner of the baby's mouth and wait for it to open slowly.
• Gently rub it in a circular pattern on the surface of the tongue, doing the same thing on the gums and inner cheeks.
• Do this method at least once a day or after the baby has breastfed.

In babies who have not yet teething, you only need to pay attention to the cleanliness of their teeth and tongue. However, if your baby's teeth first appear around the age of 5-7 months, you also need to take care of your baby's teeth to avoid the risk of cavities.

By following the method of cleaning the tongue above, it is hoped that the baby's condition will remain clean, healthy, and well cared for. However, if a problem occurs on the tongue, immediately consult a doctor for further treatment.