Should Children Brush Their Tongues? Tips From a Pediatric Dentist
Good oral hygiene involves more than just brushing your child's teeth. Bacteria, food particles, and residue can build up on the surface of the tongue, which may contribute to bad breath. Gently brushing the tongue is a simple addition to your child’s oral hygiene routine that can help remove buildup, reduce bacteria, and keep your child's breath fresher.
Should Children Brush Their Tongues?
Yes, it is appropriate and possible for children to gently clean their tongues as part of their daily oral hygiene. The tongue can accumulate bacteria, food particles, and other deposits, which can lead to bad breath. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the tongue can remove this buildup and keep the mouth fresh. Children don't have to worry about brushing the tongue for too long or too hard — just a couple of light strokes on the tongue are sufficient. Parents should assist younger children with cleaning their tongues until they are confident in doing it themselves.
At What Age Should Children Begin Brushing Their Tongues?
You can introduce tongue brushing when children are old enough to brush their teeth with some guidance. Parents should gently assist younger children with cleaning their tongues and keep an eye on them while they brush to ensure they use the correct technique. All that is required is a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle strokes—there is no need to scrub the tongue. As children become more at ease with brushing, they can slowly learn to incorporate tongue cleaning into their normal oral hygiene routine.
How Should Children Brush Their Tongues?
Cleaning the tongue is simple; here's a step-by-step guide to help you incorporate it into your child's normal toothbrushing routine.
Choose a toothbrush that has soft bristles: Select one that is suitable for children since it is mild on the mouth.
Brush gently: Ask your child to gently brush the back part of their tongue towards the front. Do not scrub too vigorously.
Rinse the toothbrush: After cleaning the tongue, rinse the toothbrush with water.
Spit out toothpaste: Ask your child to spit out the toothpaste and to rinse their mouth if necessary.
Include it as a regular practice: clean your tongue once a day together with regular brushing and flossing.
Can Brushing the Tongue Help To Prevent Bad Breath?
Gently cleaning the tongue helps remove bacteria, food particles, and buildup that can cause bad breath. Including gently brushing your child's tongue as part of their regular oral hygiene routine can help make their mouth feel cleaner and keep their breath fresher.
That said, persistent bad breath might be due to other reasons, such as dental problems, dry mouth, or other health conditions. If your child still has bad breath despite following good oral hygiene practices, you should consult a pediatric dentist to determine the cause.
Other Tips for a Healthy Smile
Tongue brushing is just one part of helping your child maintain good oral health.
Encourage your child to:
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss once a day when their teeth begin to touch each other.
Visit the pediatric dentist regularly for preventative care and age-appropriate guidance.
Promote drinking water and a well-balanced diet.
Make good oral hygiene a daily habit, keeping your child’s age in mind.
Talk With Your Pediatric Dentist About Your Child’s Oral Hygiene
Tongue brushing is a simple addition to your child's everyday oral hygiene routine, and it can help keep their mouth feeling clean and fresh. With a little guidance and supervision, is it possible for children to learn to clean their tongues as a regular part of their brushing routine.
If you're not sure when or how your child should start brushing their tongue, ask our team of pediatric dentists for age-appropriate advice and recommendations.
Book your appointment with the pediatric dental experts at Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about keeping your child’s smile healthy.
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