Why You Should Use a Tongue Scraper Every Day

Give You Fresh Breath

Tongue cleaning can help you in getting fresher breath by cleaning away the dead cells and bacteria that are responsible for halitosis. The fatty acids produced by the bacteria are the main reason for bad breath. Scientists suggest that scraping the back of the tongue by using tongue scrapers can help in reducing oral malodor.

Improve Your Taste Perception

The toxins coating the tongue can block out the taste buds present on the surface of the tongue. Without proper tasting and salivation, you can’t digest the food properly. The thick tongue coating will affect the ability to identify the taste of food you are eating. Using tongue scrapers can help you in unblocking the taste buds and thus give you the chance to enjoy the food you are eating.

Improve Your Oral Hygiene

Dental professional have been studying the importance of cleaning the tongue for the past years. They think that it is a good way to maintain excellent oral hygiene. The tongue’s surface is the ideal place for many types of bacteria to grow. The protein-rich spots of the tongue offer the microorganisms the chance to breed and colonize and they can reach the gums and the teeth through the saliva. These bacteria are responsible for creating a number of oral health problems like tooth loss, plaque, tooth decay, periodontal issues, tooth decay and gum infections.

Improve Your General Health

The toxins that are excreted from the body during the detoxification process while you sleep form the film that coats your tongue. Re-ingesting these toxins is surely not a good idea. Using a tongue scraper to scrape them off early in the morning can help you in cleaning your tongue as well as your body. Tongue cleaning can also boost both your immune system and your overall health in the process. Many studies show that there is a link between oral health and many systemic diseases like:

• Cardiovascular issues (cerebral stroke, heart attack)

• Pneumonia caused by inhaling of bacteria in the mouth

• Low fetus weight at the time of birth, premature birth

• Diabetes

• Jaw osteoporosis

• Male infertility (surprisingly true)

So, if you want to avoid all of these medical conditions and diseases, you can simply start from cleaning your tongue to improve your oral health. You can watch the following video to learn more information about tongue scraper.

Mornings are the best time for tongue scraping, but it must be done regularly to achieve best results. The device is basically a U-shaped metal or plastic piece which is thin and long to scrape the tongue’s surface.

• For performing scraping, you have to move your tongue out of your mouth and place the scrape at the back end of the tongue.

• Scrape gently and firmly and the scraping must be done in a single stroke.

• Make sure to scrape the entire surface area of the tongue during the stroke.

• Wash the scraper and repeat the process again until your tongue is clean of the coating, especially the back part. 

• Rinse the tongue scraper thoroughly with hot water after every use.

Tips and Warnings: 

1. In the beginning of the scraping exercise, try to be extra careful and take your time while scraping. You will definitely be amazed to see the amount of coating that is present on your tongue in the mornings.

2. It is quite possible that you have an active gag reflex. If this is the case, then don’t worry as it will go away over time.

3. If you make use of inappropriately designed tongue cleaners for too long or you scrape in an aggressive way, you might damage the taste buds located in the tongue’s surface. 

Find the Right Size

Check the size of your tongue in the mirror, then buy the right sized cleaner. Smaller scrapers are best for children who have smaller tongues. If you want to clean your tongue in fewer strokes, then it is best to opt for a wide tongue cleaner.

Choose the Right Material

The material of the tongue scraper should make cleaning easy. Plastic scrapers should not be used for too long, but stainless steel or copper scrapers can be used more than once as they can be sterilized with antibacterial solutions. Plastic tongue scraper is the best choice for people with sensitive tongues as they are gentler than the metal scraper. It is also much safer to use ergonomic designed tongue scrapers.

Ask Your Dentist

Consult with your doctor if you have a coated, hairy or geographical tongue. These tongue issues might require more rigorous cleaning. The doctor might have samples of scrapers that can help you in choosing the right one for your tongue.

Read Reviews from Websites

Amazon and other online websites offer reviews for tongue scrapers. These review can help you know the quality and cleaning effect of the scraper you are going to buy.