If you are concerned with your overall health, pay close attention to your oral health! Studies have found that there are over 1000 different types of organisms in the mouth between our lips and our throat.

Dental professionals have long promoted the idea prevention is the best medicine. The dental community has successful trained us to accept maintenance as part of the overall oral health program. Now, medical professionals are linking oral health to overall health. And, prevention and maintenance are key.

The tongue is a haven for bacteria to breed, multiply and attach to teeth and gums. Tongue cleaning may be just as important as hand washing in prevention of common colds, flues and even more serious health ailments.

Bacteria in the mouth is the first step to gingivitis and the most common cause of bad breath (halitosis). Gingivitis (curable) leads to the incurable periodontal disease and may lead to even more serious health problems.

The US Public Health Service has established a powerful association between the existence of periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Other studies have found correlation between poor oral hygiene and blood clots leading to heart attacks, emphysema, lung disease, kidney and liver problems, and premature birth.

In addition to regular dental check-ups, your home oral hygiene program should include tongue cleaning. The bacterial count on your tongue can be drastically reduced (as much as 50% in one day) with effective tongue cleaning.

The most effective tongue cleaning should be done with a "tongue cleaner" -- specifically designed for cleaning the many crevices of the tongue. It is important to remove the bacteria, not just swish it around which is the problem of simply brushing the tongue with your toothbrush.

Marian Brown has been active in holistic and alternative health care for over 15 years. She is currently the editor of Holistic Health News. For more information on Tongue Cleaning, visit http://www.oxybreath.com.