A tongue scraper is a tool used to clean the tongue’s surface by delicately removing bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that can result in bad breath and other oral health problems. Typically, it consists of a small, flexible, and curved metal or plastic device dragged from the back to the front of the tongue’s surface to remove any accumulation. In addition to brushing and flossing, tongue scraping is a common oral hygiene practice that can be done every day.
What Are the Advantages of Tongue Scraping?
There are numerous advantages to using a tongue scraper for your oral and overall health. The following are seven advantages of utilizing a tongue scraper:
Gets Rid of Bacteria and Bad Breath
A tongue scraper can help eliminate the bacteria that build up on your tongue and result in bad breath. Using a tongue scraper regularly can help prevent bad breath since bacteria can build up on the surface of your tongue and produce an unpleasant odor.
Enhances Taste Sensation
An accumulation of bacteria, dead skin cells, and food particles on your tongue might impair your sense of taste. By scraping away this accumulation using a tongue scraper, you can improve your taste sensation and enjoy your food more.
Lowers the Risk of Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
Bacteria on the tongue can contribute to plaque development, resulting in gum disease and tooth decay. You can lessen your risk of getting these oral health issues by using a tongue scraper to assist in eliminating harmful bacteria.
Improves Overall Oral Hygiene
By eliminating bacteria from the tongue, a tongue scraper helps improve overall oral hygiene. This can aid in preventing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Aids in the Prevention of Respiratory Infections
Some studies have indicated that bacteria on the tongue can contribute to respiratory infections. Using a tongue scraper to eliminate these bacteria may help you lower your chances of getting respiratory infections.
Lowers the Chance of Developing Heart Disease
According to certain studies, oral bacteria may increase the risk of developing heart disease. You can lower your risk of acquiring this condition by eliminating bacteria from the tongue with a tongue scraper.
Enhances Overall Health
In addition to the specific benefits described above, utilizing a tongue scraper can improve your overall well-being by promoting proper oral hygiene, eliminating bad breath, and increasing your sense of taste. You may feel more confident, healthy, and content as a result.
How Do I Scrape My Tongue as a Daily Routine?
Including tongue scraping in your daily routine is simple and takes only a few minutes:
- Get a Tongue Scraper: Tongue scrapers can be purchased online or at your local drugstore. Look for a scraper made of metal or plastic that is easy to hold and use.
- Brush Your Teeth First: Brush your teeth and floss before using a tongue scraper. This will assist in removing food particles or debris from your mouth and ensure you get the most significant benefit from tongue scraping.
- Hold the Scraper Correctly: Place both hands on the back of your tongue. Place the scraper as far back as you can without gagging.
- Scrape Your Tongue: Gently scrape your tongue with light pressure from back to front to remove any accumulation or debris. Rinse the scraper with water between each pass and repeat this process multiple times.
- Rinse Your Mouth: Rinse your mouth with water after using the tongue scraper to eliminate any lingering debris or bacteria.
- Clean Your Tongue Scraper: Rinse it with water and then clean it with soap or mouthwash. Keep the tongue scraper in a clean, dry place.
It would be best to scrape your tongue once or twice a day, preferably in the morning and before bed. After that, your oral health, sense of taste, and overall health will all gradually improve. Call us at SkyRise Dental if you live in Thornhill, Ontario, and have any questions left!
