Brushing and flossing are both essential parts of a good oral hygiene routine. However, did you know that they aren’t the only essential steps? Adding tongue scraping to your daily routine can make a significant difference in your oral health.
What Is Tongue Scraping?
Tongue scraping is a straightforward process involving a specialized tool to remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells from the surface of your tongue. The tongue scrape is made specifically for this task and provides better results than cleaning your tongue with your toothbrush.
It’s not enough to simply brush your tongue with your toothbrush after brushing your teeth. It’s important to deal with the bacteria accumulating on your tongue through diligent care with proper tools. A tongue scraper device or a toothbrush with a scraping mechanism on the back of the bristles can more effectively remove bacteria to protect your oral health.
The Benefits of Paying Attention to Tongue Care
Tongue scraping provides a wide range of benefits. First, it can improve your sense of taste. Removing bacteria and other debris means your taste buds are more exposed and sensitive, letting you better distinguish between different flavors.
Your tongue will also look healthier. Excess bacteria often leave your tongue looking white or yellowish. Removing that buildup provides a healthier-looking pink color. It also improves bad breath by eliminating the bacteria that cause it.[1]
However, those bacteria do more than just cause bad breath. They also harm your teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Tongue scraping manages bacteria levels to improve oral health. Research has shown that tongue scraping produces statistically significant reductions in plaque levels.[2]
How to Tongue Scrape
Tongue scraping is a very straightforward process. First, stick out your tongue as far as you can. Ideally, you’ll do this in front of a mirror so you can see the visual results.
Position the curved end of the scraper or the back of your toothbrush over the back of the tongue. Then, gently bring it forward. You shouldn’t be pressing hard enough to irritate. After each scrape, rinse the scraper under warm water to remove buildup.
Repeat the process until you’ve scraped the entire surface of your tongue. Scraping your tongue usually takes around four to five passes, although this can vary. Then, clean the scrape or toothbrush, dry it, and store it in a dry place.
Integrating Tongue Scraping into Your Routine
While adding tongue scraping to your oral hygiene routine might seem like a burden, it is quite easy. You should already be brushing your teeth and flossing twice daily. Tongue scraping is likely the shortest part of your routine, so adding it isn’t all that hard.
By making this one simple change to your routine, you can enjoy a comprehensive approach to oral health and keep your mouth as clean as possible to reduce bad breath and prevent other problems.
Don’t Overlook the Importance of Complete Oral Care
While tongue scraping might seem like an additional step to your oral hygiene routine, it is essential. Regular tongue scraping can make a significant difference in the long run and should be a part of your daily routine. You should take every step you can to ensure your long-term oral health. That includes routine visits to your trusted local dentist at Albion Family Dental. Schedule your next appointment today, and feel free to contact us at 585-589-9044 any time.
Sources: