Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a soft or medium bristled toothbrush, and brush for at least two minutes at a time. [2] X Research source You can also use an electric toothbrush, but always make sure you improve your brushing technique so you can maintain healthy gums. Floss at least once a day. Use 18 inches of floss, and work the floss around each individual tooth. [3] X Research source Rinse with water or mouthwash after flossing. If you suffer from dry mouth, use an alcohol free mouthwash. Rinse dentures after eating, and brush them at least once a day to reduce the amount of bacteria which may cause mouth ulcers or other mucosal irritation. [4] X Research source If flossing is painful or difficult, you can use a water flosser instead, such as a waterpik. A flushes out the spaces between your teeth and around your gums with water. You can add mouthwash to the water used for the waterpik for increased protection against bacteria. They’re just as effective, if not more, than traditional flossing. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If brushing your tongue provokes your gag reflex, you can try leaning your head forward as you brush. You might also want to use a smaller toothbrush to minimize your discomfort. [7] X Research source If you have a sore in your mouth, be careful as you brush. Avoid brushing the sore itself, and do not use a toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate. Sores will normally go away on their own. [8] X Research source
Avoid scraping your tongue if you have a mouth sore on your tongue. Wait until the sore heals before you scrape again. If you have a condition known as “fissured tongue,” you might find it easier to scrape your tongue with your toothbrush instead of a tongue scraper. A brush can dislodge food particles that get stuck in the tongue, which can help you heal the cracks in your tongue.
Avoid sipping water in small doses as this may actually wash away helpful saliva. Instead, take full gulps. [12] X Research source
Sucking on sugarless hard candies can have a similar effect. [16] X Research source
Soda Coffee Caffeinated tea Wine Beer
See your dentist first. Dry mouth is a serious problem that requires medical attention. Your dentist may prescribe you some collutory (a special rinsing solution) to help alleviate pain and other symptoms. You will also need to see your GP, for a referral to a specialist Ask your dentist about what you should avoid. For example, spicy foods can dry out your mouth more and cause irritation, so you may want to avoid these. Also, mint-flavored mouthwashes, toothpastes, or candies can irritate a dry mouth. [18] X Research source
If you have a cut on your tongue larger than 1 cm, you should have it checked out by a doctor or dentist. [21] X Research source
Before the piercing, make sure that you are up to date on your Hepatitis B and tetanus vaccines. You should ask the piercer if everyone in the shop has been properly vaccinated for Hepatitis B. [23] X Research source Once your tongue is pierced, rinse your mouth after every meal with an alcohol-free mouthwash or saltwater. Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods, and do not kiss anyone until your piercing heals. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source You may also take some over the counter pills such as Ibuprofen to reduce the tongue inflammation. Avoid habits such as holding the piercing between your teeth because you can hurt your tongue and destroy the enamel
Club soda Alcohol-free mouthwash Benzydamine hydrochloride Lidocaine Viscous (typically used for severe cases caused by chemotherapy)
A black, lumpy tongue may be a sign of “hairy tongue” disease. This can be caused by certain medications or by smoking. Hairy tongue can give you bad breath. It might also distort your taste perception. [26] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source If your tongue is bright red, you may have a Vitamin B-12 or folic acid deficiency. If it is accompanied by a fever, you might have scarlet fever or Kawasaki disease. Seek immediate medical attention. [27] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Alternating patches of red and white may be geographic tongue, which is a genetic condition. While people with geographic tongue may be sensitive to spicy foods, the condition is otherwise harmless. [28] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source Lumps on your tongue may be canker sores or mouth ulcers. If they do not disappear after two weeks, visit your dentist to be checked for oral cancer. [29] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
