Most people know the term “bite your tongue!” According to the Urban Dictionary, it’s “when a person wants to say something that may be offensive or hurtful to someone, so instead says nothing.” It is the opposite of speaking what’s on your mind.
But in reality, Ambler Dental Care suggests that you avoid biting your tongue. So much dental health care is focused on your teeth and gums, but your tongue plays a big role in your dental health as well. Your four-inch tongue helps your digestion and your mouth cleaning. Your tongue is the first point of digestion by transferring your food that has been chewed to the swallowing process. The tip of your tongue (apex) is not directly attached to the floor of your mouth, so it is able to reach the upper portion of your mouth for optimal cleaning.
Your tongue also can harbor your bad breath as well. The reason for this is due to the fact that bacteria can collect on your tongue. For this reason, you should brush away this accumulation using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
If you bite your tongue, chances are it will bleed a lot. Your tongue has a rich supply of blood, which leads to large amounts of bleeding. The good news is that due to the rich blood supply, tongue bites usually heal quickly. Most small bites of your tongue will heal without any treatment other than cleansing with hydrogen peroxide or antiseptics. If you have a large cut, it may require stitches.
At Ambler Dental Care, we encourage you to take care of every part of your mouth, including your tongue. Call and book your appointment with us today!
Posted on behalf of Ambler Dental Care