One of the things that people overlook when it comes to their oral hygiene is to take care of and clean the tongue. People may brush and floss but the tongue needs to be cleaned as it can hold buildup. Bacteria will stay on the tongue and this can lead to bad breath.

Effects of Bacteria on the Tongue

It is easy for bacteria to build upon the tongue. If the tongues are not cleaned the bacteria will stay. This can lead to bad breath as well as tooth decay.

Bacteria on the tongue can also impact the taste. It will clog up the taste buds. If you clean your tongue every day you may notice several things including your food tasting better. Bacteria can also interfere with the way that we chew.  A clean tongue can help with better digestion.

When to use a Tongue Scraper?

It is not difficult to clean your tongue but you are going to need more than mouthwash. Using a toothbrush on your tongue will spread the bacteria around but will not remember it. A tongue scraper is needed. You can get on in-store or online. They are made from plastic or stainless steel. Some a soothe and some are rough around the edges based on what you like.

When using the tongue scraper do not push hard to hurt the tongue. After using it for the first time there may be weird things on it. This is bacteria and food that was trapped on the tongue. After a few days, there will be less and less coming off. This shows you know that the scraper is working.

More About Tongue Scraping

This is the easiest way to remove particles and bacteria from the tongue. It is rounded and made from plastic or it can be made from metal. You can select the one that you like the best and that is the most comfortable to use.

• Tongue scraping does not replace tooth brushing. It should be added to the oral care routine,
• Keep on going to learn how to get started.
• You are going to need a tongue scraper to begin the process.
• Most of the scrapers are rounded. A household spoon can also be used if you cannot find anything else.
• The spoon will not remove as much bacteria as the actual tongue scraper.

How to use a tongue scraper

Open your mouth in front of a mirror and stick your tongue out.

Put the rounded end of the scraper on the back of the tongue.

Touch the scrape to the tongue. Move it forward slowly. Do not push from the tip to the back.

Always go from back to front. After scraping remove the bacteria from the scraper.

Repeat this until you have cleaned the surface of the tongue. In most cases, no more than two scrapes are needed.

Wash the scraper with warm water and soap.

Dry it and store it in a clean area. This should take no more than two minutes to complete.

Benefits of Using a Tongue Scraper

Bacteria and other debris can build up on the tongue. This can lead to bad breath and harm health. The tongue scraper can remove this bacteria. It can also: Improve taste. The tongue will be able to tell flavors and improve sensations. Improve the look of the tongue. Debris can make the tongue look white and coated. The scraper can remove this and help the coating from coming back.

This can reduce the number of bacteria that is found in the mouth which can lead to bad breath as well as tooth decay. Improve health. Removing this bacteria can decrease the chance of gum disease, cavities, and other oral conditions. This will improve overall health.

Reduce bad breath.

In addition to brushing the tongue, a person will still need to brush their teeth. Scraping the tongue in addition to brushing the teeth can remove more bacteria that leads to bad breath.

How to Learn more

If you want more information about how to clean your tongue and how to use a tongue scraper there is more information for you. We can answer questions that you may have and we can recommend some good scrapers to help.

We are happy to be your dental professionals.