Even if you have a strict oral hygiene routine by brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and dutifully visiting your dental clinic every six months, you can still miss an important step that keeps your mouth fresh and healthy.
How often do we consider the tongue part of our oral health? That fleshy collection of muscle that helps you chew, swallow, taste, and speak? This is where tongue scraping comes in as a game changer for oral health in general.
Tongue scraping has been a rather controversial subject in the dental world, as many people have misconceptions about its use and efficacy. In this article, we will devolve into the question of whether tongue scraping actually works and if so, how.
What Is It?
Tongue scraping is done by using devices made from plastic, copper, or stainless steel and is easily available at most pharmacies and drug stores at affordable prices. Tongue scraping is meant to remove plaque and bacteria from your tongue, thereby alleviating and maintaining its healthy properties.
Now you probably think, how does it make a difference? You can simply do the same using a toothbrush. Well, although it makes it seem like toothbrushes do the same thing as a tongue scraper, in truth, it doesn’t.
Think of it this way, if you have a dirty carpet and you scrub it, the dirt will get embedded down in there. But if you scrape it, it will come right off the surface. This is the same way a tongue scraper works.
How Effective Is It?
There are some people who use the bristles of their toothbrush as a tongue scraper, and some toothbrushes also have “tongue brushes” on the other end of the head. However, research has suggested that even toothbrushes with or without a dedicated “scraper” on the back are not as effective as an actual “Tongue scraper”. In fact, they were proven to be 30% less effective than tongue scrapers. In addition to that, studies have also confirmed that tongue scraper benefits
includes removing bacteria and improving bad breath more than brushing.
Apart from this, there are many other ways tongue scraping can actually work in enhancing your oral hygiene and even confidence in some cases.
Improved taste
Tongue scraping benefits include giving you an almost fresh palette, and you will be able to notice strong flavours the next time you eat something spicy or sweet. Studies suggest that you will be able to better distinguish sweet, sour, spicy, and sweet sensations with a proper tongue-scraping routine.
Fresher Breath
Do you often get insecurities related to your breath and think you might have to visit a dental hygienist? You should probably know there is so much odour-causing bacteria living on your tongue, and the tongue plays a big part in how your breath smells. That’s why the importance of tongue hygiene is so essential.
Tongue scraping can help you effectively overcome this problem, and in some cases, conditions like halitosis can be prevented and treated with a consistent tongue-scraping routine. A 2004 study found that scraping was more effective than brushing at removing odour-causing bacteria.
Improved Overall Health
Scraping your tongue can remove harmful bacteria that inflame the gums and prevent cavity formation. When these best practices for oral hygiene are overlooked, there is plenty of room for other issues like heart diseases and even cancer, needing more serious dentist attention. So, if you’re looking for dental cleaning in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, visit us.
Our dental clinic in Abu Dhabi and Dubai has the top experts, with years of experience. Our in-house dental lab also comprises modern technologies and facilities. The benefits of dental cleaning by professionals include a more thorough examination and in-depth consultation about any other issues.
Improve The Appearance Of Your Tongue
Building up of excess debris, and plaque can sometimes coat your tongue with a white layer, giving a rather pale appearance. Daily scraping can remove this coating and, with consistency, can prevent it from returning.
FAQs:
Is it good to scrape your tongue?
Absolutely! Tongue scraper benefits your oral hygiene practice by helping remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells from the surface of your tongue. This improves your breath and enhances oral health by reducing the risk of plaque buildup and potential infections.
Can tongue scraping hurt your tongue?
When done correctly with a proper tongue scraper, tongue scraping should not hurt your tongue. However, it’s essential to use gentle pressure and avoid scraping too aggressively to prevent any discomfort or potential damage to the delicate tissues of your tongue. If you experience discomfort or irritation while tongue scraping, consider using lighter pressure or consulting your dentist for guidance on the proper technique.
What are tongue scraping benefits?
Tongue scraping benefits include:
- Fresher breathe by removing odour-causing bacteria and food particles.
- Improved taste perception as it removes debris that can dull your taste buds.
- Enhanced oral hygiene by reducing bacteria and plaque buildup on the tongue’s surface.
- Potential reduction in the risk of dental issues such as cavities and gum disease.
How do I properly clean my tongue?
To effectively clean your tongue, follow these tongue cleaning techniques:
- Start by rinsing your mouth with water to loosen any debris.
- Hold the tongue scraper at the back of your tongue and gently glide it forward, scraping the surface of your tongue.
- Rinse the scraper with water after each pass to remove accumulated debris.
- Repeat the scraping motion several times until your tongue feels clean.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water afterwards.
What is the importance of tongue hygiene?
Maintaining good tongue hygiene is crucial for overall oral health. The tongue harbours bacteria, food particles, and dead cells, which can contribute to bad breath, oral infections, and other dental issues if not properly removed. By incorporating tongue scraping into your oral hygiene routine, you can effectively reduce bacteria buildup, improve breath freshness, and promote a healthier mouth.
