You know about the importance of brushing your teeth, flossing, and even using mouthwash occasionally. But, what about the benefits of tongue scraping?
Tongue scraping is an integral part of a good oral care routine, but it’s one that many people fail to do. So, below, we’re covering everything there is to know about tongue scraping and why you should add it to your morning and nighttime schedules.
Let’s get started.
Key Takeaways:
- What is Tongue Scraping? Tongue scraping is a simple oral hygiene practice using a tool to remove bacteria, food particles, and dead cells from the tongue.
- The Benefits of Tongue Scraping: From removing bacteria to improving breath and even enhancing taste, there are various benefits to tongue scraping.
- How to Use a Tongue Scraper Effectively: Start with a clean scraper, gently scrape from the back of your tongue to the front, rinse after each pass, and repeat 3–5 times before cleaning the scraper.
- The Role of Tongue Scraping in Overall Oral Health: Tongue scraping helps prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria that contribute to issues like gum disease and bad breath, supporting overall oral hygiene by addressing an often-overlooked area.
- How the Dental Team Can Help: The Dental Team offers expert advice on tongue scraping and overall oral hygiene, providing professional cleanings and personalized guidance to ensure your mouth stays healthy.
What is Tongue Scraping?
To break it down, tongue scraping is a simple oral hygiene practice that involves using a tool called a tongue scraper to remove buildup from the surface of the tongue.
This buildup, which can consist of bacteria, food particles, and dead cells, often accumulates on the tongue throughout the day and night. If left unchecked, it can lead to myriad side effects ranging from bad breath to oral health issues.
A tongue scraper is typically a small, flat tool made of plastic or metal, designed to gently glide over the surface of the tongue, clearing away the debris. So, no, the bristles of your toothbrush aren’t going to be enough.
4 Benefits of Tongue Scraping
Taking the time to scrape your tongue every day can do wonders for your oral health in ways you’d likely never even realize. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest benefits of tongue scraping.
1. Removes Bacteria
Of course, one of the main benefits of tongue scraping is its ability to remove bacteria from the surface of the tongue.
Bacteria tend to thrive on the tongue’s surface, feeding on food particles and dead cells, which can contribute to oral health problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Thus, regular tongue scraping helps to reduce this bacterial load, keeping your mouth cleaner and healthier.
2. Improves Breath
Along with removing bacteria, regularly scraping your tongue can also help lead to improved breath!
Bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by the bacteria that live on the tongue. These bacteria produce foul-smelling sulfur compounds that can linger in the mouth.
But, by scraping away the bacteria and debris that collect on the tongue, you can significantly improve your breath, leaving your mouth feeling fresher throughout the day. Ahhh…
Do cavities cause bad breath? Read more in our blog.
3. Enhances Taste
Did you know that the buildup on your tongue can eventually dull your taste sensations? Thankfully, when you scrape your tongue regularly, you remove this coating, allowing your taste buds to function more effectively.
As a result, you may notice an enhanced ability to enjoy the flavors of your food. And who doesn’t want that?
4. Supports Overall Oral Hygiene
All in all, tongue scraping is a great addition to your oral hygiene routine.
While brushing and flossing are essential for removing plaque and debris from your teeth and gums, tongue scraping ensures that the entire mouth is addressed. This practice helps reduce the risk of oral health issues, such as cavities and gum disease, by targeting an area often overlooked in daily oral care.
When you add this into your routine, your dentists will be oh-so-happy. Trust us.
How to Use a Tongue Scraper Effectively
Luckily for you (and your mouth), using a tongue scraper is a simple and quick process that you can easily add to your daily oral hygiene routine.
All you have to do is follow these steps to use your tongue scraper most effectively:
- Start with a Clean Tongue Scraper: Before each use, ensure your tongue scraper is clean. If it’s a new scraper, give it a quick rinse with warm water.
- Open Your Mouth Wide: Stick out your tongue as far as is comfortable, making sure to expose the entire surface area for scraping.
- Place the Scraper at the Back of Your Tongue: Position the scraper as far back on your tongue as possible without triggering your gag reflex. The scraper should be flat against your tongue’s surface.
- Gently Scrape Forward: Apply gentle pressure and scrape the surface of your tongue from back to front in one smooth motion. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the tongue, from the middle to the sides.
- Rinse the Scraper: After each pass, rinse the scraper with warm water to remove any debris.
- Repeat the Process: Repeat the scraping motion 3–5 times, or until you feel your tongue is clean. Be sure to avoid scraping too harshly, as this can irritate the tongue.
- Rinse Your Mouth: After you’re finished scraping, rinse your mouth with water to clear away any remaining debris.
- Clean the Scraper After Use: Thoroughly wash the tongue scraper with water and a mild cleanser after each use to maintain its hygiene.
The Role of Tongue Scraping in Overall Oral Health
As we’ve mentioned, brushing and flossing are essential components of maintaining oral health; however, tongue scraping plays a unique and complementary role in achieving a truly clean mouth.
The surface of the tongue can harbor bacteria and debris that aren’t easily reached by a toothbrush or floss. By including tongue scraping in your routine, you target an area often overlooked in traditional oral care.
As we mentioned, tongue scraping helps prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria that contribute to oral health problems like gum disease and cavities.
It’s particularly beneficial for individuals who are prone to bad breath, as scraping effectively removes odor-causing particles from the tongue’s surface.
Plus, by keeping your tongue free of bacteria and debris, you reduce the risk of bacterial transfer to the teeth and gums, supporting overall oral hygiene.
Read up on how you can restore your gum health in our blog post.
How the Dental Team Can Help
If you’re worried about your oral health, whether it be due to buildup on your tongue or something different, The Dental Team and our experts are here to help.
The Dental Team is dedicated to helping patients maintain optimal oral health through personalized care and expert advice.
When it comes to practices like tongue scraping, the team offers guidance on the most effective techniques to ensure you’re getting the maximum benefits from your oral care routine.
Whether you’re new to tongue scraping or looking to improve your current routine, The Dental Team can provide valuable tips tailored to your specific needs.
Why Tongue Scraping is a Valuable Addition to Your Routine
All in all, adding tongue scraping to your daily routine can make a world of difference for your oral health. From removing bacteria to improving your breath and enhancing your taste, tongue scraping is a simple but effective step that contributes to a cleaner, healthier mouth.
So, are you ready to take your oral hygiene routine to the next level? Schedule an appointment with The Dental Team today for personalized advice and professional cleanings to ensure your mouth stays in its best condition. Let us help you achieve a fresher, healthier smile.
