A HEALTHY TONGUE is incredibly important for a healthy mouth. We know we talk a lot about your teeth, but it’s time we told you more about your tongue, that amazing muscle that allows us to speak, taste, and swallow! Get Rid of Bacteria by Cleaning Your Tongue You’ve already brushed your teeth for two minutes and you’re ready to be done. Not so fast! Cleaning your tongue is just as important as cleaning your teeth. Did you know that almost 50 percent of the bacteria in your mouth is on your tongue? If you don’t worry about cleaning your tongue, that bacteria will transfer to your teeth even after you’ve brushed. Your oral health care routine should always include a good tongue cleaning!
What Causes Teeth Grinding? Teeth grinding, or bruxism, as it is referred to in the medical community, affects a relatively large amount of the population. Ranging from mild to severe, patients with bruxism grind, clench or gnash their teeth in their sleep, or unconsciously during the day. People who grind or clench their teeth in their sleep are more likely to have sleep disorders including snoring or sleep apnea. Bruxism was long thought to be brought on by stress; however, new research suggests that jaw clenching is an evolutionarily-developed survival skill designed to open up the airway, which can be blocked by the relaxed tongue and jaw muscles during sleep. This would explain the appa
