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Housecall, our weekly general-interest e-newsletter, keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics with timely, reliable, practical information, recipes, blogs, questions and answers with Mayo Clinic experts and more. Our biweekly topic-specific e-newsletters also include blogs, questions and answers with Mayo Clinic experts, and other useful information that will help you manage your health.
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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffTo practice good oral health and to remove the tongue discoloration:
- Brush after eating or drinking. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and ideally after every meal, using fluoride-containing toothpaste. If you can't brush after eating, at least try to rinse your mouth with water.
- Floss at least once a day. Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
- Brush your tongue. Giving your tongue a gentle brushing removes dead cells, bacteria and food debris. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a flexible tongue scraper.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Get professional tooth cleanings and regular oral exams, which can help your dentist prevent problems or spot them early. Your dentist can recommend a schedule for your situation.
References
- Mirowski GW, et al. Biology and pathology of the oral cavity. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2979081. Accessed Jan. 29, 2009.
- Gonsalves WC, et al. Common oral lesions: Part I. Superficial mucosal lesions. American Family Physician. 2007;75:501.
- Cleaning your teeth and gums (oral hygiene): Overview. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/cleaning.asp. Accessed Feb. 9, 2009.
- Cleaning your teeth and gums (oral hygiene): Frequently asked questions (FAQ). American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/cleaning_faq.asp. Accessed Feb. 9, 2009.
- Carr AB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 24, 2009.
