Tongue scrapers are simple yet effective oral hygiene tools designed to remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue.
While brushing and flossing teeth are essential for removing plaque and food particles many people overlook the importance of cleaning the tongue.
In this article, we explore the benefits of using tongue scrapers for oral hygiene and why incorporating this practice into your daily routine can contribute to a healthier mouth and fresher breath.
Tongue Scrapers Benefits
1. Reduces Bacteria Buildup
The tongue harbors a significant amount of bacteria, food particles, and dead cells, contributing to bad breath (halitosis) and oral health problems.
Using a tongue scraper helps remove this buildup, reducing the population of bacteria in the mouth and lowering the risk of dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections.
By cleaning the tongue regularly, you can maintain a healthier oral environment and reduce the likelihood of oral health problems.
2. Improves Breath Freshness
Bad breath is often caused by the accumulation of bacteria and food debris on the tongue’s surface.
By using a tongue scraper to remove these odor-causing substances, you can significantly improve breath freshness and reduce the risk of halitosis.
Tongue scraping is particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with persistent bad breath despite regular brushing and flossing.
Incorporating tongue scraping into your oral hygiene routine can help you feel more confident about your breath throughout the day.
3. Enhances Taste Perception
A clean tongue is essential for optimal taste perception and enjoyment of food. When the taste buds on the tongue are covered with a layer of bacteria and debris, it can dull your sense of taste and diminish the flavor of foods and beverages.
By regularly scraping the tongue to remove buildup, you can enhance your taste perception and fully savor the flavors of the foods you eat.
This can lead to a more enjoyable eating experience and encourage healthier dietary choices.
4. Easy to Use and Cost-Effective
Tongue scrapers are simple, inexpensive oral hygiene tools that are easy to use and maintain.
They are typically made of plastic or metal and feature a flat, slightly curved surface designed to gently remove debris from the tongue’s surface.
Tongue scraping can be performed as part of your daily oral hygiene routine, either before or after brushing your teeth.
With regular use, tongue scrapers can effectively remove buildup and promote a cleaner, healthier mouth without requiring significant time or effort.
How to Use a Tongue Scraper
Using a tongue scraper is straightforward:
- Hold the tongue scraper firmly with both hands, ensuring the scraping edge is facing downward.
- Extend your tongue and place the scraper at the back of your tongue, near the throat.
- Gently glide the scraper forward along the surface of the tongue, applying light pressure.
- Rinse the scraper under running water to remove debris, and repeat the scraping motion 2-3 times.
- After scraping, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash to remove any remaining debris.
- Clean the tongue scraper with soap and water after each use, and store it in a clean, dry place.
Tongue scraping is easy to perform, cost-effective, and can lead to noticeable improvements in oral hygiene and overall well-being.
Are tongue scrapers safe?
Yes, using tongue scrapers is safe as long as you don’t use excessive pressure, remember it has to be a light pressure not to hurt your tongue.
How long do tongue scrapers last?
Just as with toothbrushes, it is advisable to change your tongue scraper every 3 or 4 months, even if it looks “fine” since it’s the best for your oral hygiene.
Best tongue scrapers
There are plenty of brands out there that offer equally beneficial products, but the two favorites are, by far: Basic Concepts, and Mastermedi tongue scrapers.
