Each person has somewhere between 2000 and 8000 taste buds in their oral cavity. These small bumps cluster primarily on the tongue, but also are scattered along the soft palate, upper esophagus, the inside of the cheek, and the entrance larynx behind the tongue. They pair with the olfactory receptors inside the nose to create the phenomenon we call sense of taste. The taste buds gustatory cells pick up and combine the five elements to the food we’re currently eating, its saltiness, sourness, bitterness, sweetness, and umami (savory). Despite claims that these receptors are grouped by a particular flavor it detects, the taste buds actually can pick up any and all of these five elements. But what happens when plaque isn’t properly cleaned off the taste buds when the rest of your mouth gets a good brushing? Let’s take a look.
When Plaque Coats the Tongue
The bumps and grooves of the tongue, including the taste buds, actually create prime real estate for food debris to settle in. Just as with the teeth and gums, the debris gets turned into plaque by bacteria. From there, plaque can cause many issues. Often, the same phenomenon of reduced or changed taste preferences that comes with colds will happen when plaque builds up a layer on the taste buds. Additionally, debris covered tonques can often appear to be different colors because the taste buds and other structures on them collect pigments from foods.
Another common issue plaque on the tongue is bad breath. It’s been estimated that 80% of all halitosis cases comes from tongue debris. This alone is enough of a reason to clean your tongue. Even more importantly, consider the fact that if you clean your teeth but not your tongue, your saliva will loosen the plaque on your tongue and reinfect the other areas of the oral cavity. This means that all your brushing is for nothing.
Of course, if plaque continues unchecked, more problematic conditions will arise. The crevices of the tongue can harbor periodontal disease, facilitate tonsil infection or fungal growth, cause gastrointestinal problems, gather postnasal drip, or even create dry mouth.
Brushing Isn’t Always Enough
Many people mistakenly believe that using a toothbrush is the ideal way to clean the tongue. However, unlike the teeth and gums, the tissue of the tongue and the spaces around the minute structures of the taste buds are deep and strangely shaped. The straight and soft bristles of most toothbrushes can’t get into those spaces. Mouthwash can help with bacteria, but if plaque has already coated the tongue, than you need something more adequate.
For centuries, the elite classes of ancient and modern societies have utilized a tongue scraper to minimize bad breathe and keep the surface of the tongue and the taste buds’ taste receptors. Modern tongue scrapers are just as effective. They can be made of metal or plastic and vary in width, and are available for both children and adults. They are inexpensive and can last for quite a while. With this simple tool, you can remove food pigments and bad breathe, and maintain a higher standard of cleanliness in your entire oral cavity.
Ask a Dentist
If you’re suffering from regular bad breathe or see and feel a thick coating on your teeth, it may be time to contact your dentist. With their expertise, you can make sure you tonque isn’t infected and discuss whether a tongue scraper is the best solution. Our staff at Josey Lane would be happy to be your dentist and help, so feel free to give us a call to make an appointment. Your taste bud’s health is as important as the rest of your mouth’s.
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