When you think of your bathroom counter, a few items probably come to mind: your toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and maybe some paper cups for rinsing. What’s missing from this picture? The tongue scraper.
This oft-ignored tool has some surprisingly big benefits. From improving bad breath to making your food more delicious, here are a few benefits you can expect when you add tongue scraping to your everyday oral health routine.
Better breath
Unsurprisingly, when you scrape all of the gunk off of your tongue, the result is much fresher breath. The soft, textured surface of your tongue is a perfect breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria, so it’s important to give it a good cleaning as part of your daily routine.
Brushing your tongue is a good start, but using a scraper is one of the best ways to remove bacteria buildup more effectively.
Improved sense of taste
Our taste buds are sensitive. If they’re covered up by a film of bacteria or debris on your tongue, you may not be able to taste all the delicate flavors in your food. Sort of makes that fancy meal you paid for last weekend seem a little pointless, right?
Giving your tongue a good cleaning can expose your taste buds again and help you enjoy every last bite.
Decreased plaque
Did you know that bacteria and soft plaque from your tongue can contribute to plaque buildup on your teeth? By keeping the tongue clean, you may help reduce the amount of bacteria circulating throughout your mouth, which can support a healthier smile overall.
Supports overall health
Many health experts agree that good oral hygiene plays an important role in overall wellness. Keeping your mouth cleaner can help reduce bacteria levels and inflammation, which may benefit more than just your teeth and gums.
How to Use a Tongue Scraper
Tongue scraping is quick, easy, and only takes a few seconds:
- Place the scraper near the back of your tongue (without gagging).
- Gently pull it forward toward the tip of your tongue.
- Rinse the scraper after each pass.
- Repeat 2–4 times, then rinse your mouth.
For best results, tongue scraping can be done once or twice per day, especially in the morning.
Your dentist can help you plan out the best oral health practices for your needs. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have in the meantime. Happy scraping!
