Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a thorn in the side and an embarrassment. It seems to play havoc on personal and professional relationships, and most people find themselves stumped for solutions that actually work. Brushing and flossing are both vital to overall oral health, but there’s another simple yet powerful tool you can employ in the battle against bad breath—tongue scraping. This blog, thanks to Lobay Dental Group, will explain how tongue scraping can improve your breath, keep your mouth clean, and leave you confident.
Why Tongue Scraping is Important for Fresh Breath
Did you know that as much as 90% of foul breath results from the tongue? The tongue houses bacteria, food particles, and dead cells that can produce odorous compounds. Though teeth brushing focuses on the teeth and gums, the tongue is usually ignored in usual oral hygiene practices. Tongue scraping helps keep the surface of the tongue clean and removes detritus that may cause foul breath.
By incorporating tongue scraping into your daily oral care routine, you eliminate the source of bad breath, resulting in overall better oral health. And it only requires a few seconds a day to see the difference.
How Tongue Scraping Works
Tongue scraping is a gentle practice that includes scraping the top surface of your tongue using a tongue scraper. Here’s how it works:
- Choose the Right Tool: You can find tongue scrapers made of stainless steel, copper, and plastic. Choose one that is comfortable and most suitable for you.
- Scrape with Gentle Pressure: Start at the back of your tongue and scrape gently forward. Scrape with a gentle amount of pressure that does not cause pain or irritation. Do it 3-4 times.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After scraping, rinse your mouth with water to get rid of any remaining debris. Or use mouthwash for an added boost of freshness.
- Clean Your Scraper: Rinse your tongue scraper with warm water after each use to prevent it from getting clogged and bacteria-ridden.
The Benefits of Tongue Scraping
Dentists in Stony Plain are of the view that including tongue scraping in your daily routine has several benefits over mere fresh breath:
1. Reduces Bacteria and Debris
Your tongue’s surface is covered with tiny bumps, or papillae, which can trap bacteria, food particles, and dead cells. Scraping the tongue removes these particles, eliminating bacterial growth that causes bad breath.
2. Improves Taste Perception
When junk builds up on your tongue, it dulls your taste buds. Tongue scraping every day serves to increase your sense of taste, making food more flavorful.
3. Enhances Overall Oral Well-being
Tongue scraping every day keeps your mouth cleaner, reducing the risk of plaque buildup on your teeth and gums. It is an additional procedure, along with brushing and flossing, that acts on an overlooked part of your mouth.
4. Promotes Better Oral Health
Scraping the bacteria and debris from your tongue can lower your risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. It’s an easy step you can add to your regimen that can lead to long-lasting health benefits.
How Often Should You Scrape Your Tongue?
To get the best out of it, you can scrape your tongue at least once a day—preferably in the morning before you have breakfast or drink any fluids. This will remove any bacteria and junk that may have built up overnight. If you experience chronic bad breath, you might need to scrape your tongue more than once a day, mostly after meals.
Tongue Scraping vs. Brushing Your Tongue: Which is Better?
Although brushing your tongue with your toothbrush might be helpful, it doesn’t remove nearly as much bacteria and debris as a tongue scraper will. A toothbrush has bristles that won’t necessarily be able to clean the grooves and bumps of your tongue very well. A tongue scraper is made to address this problem, giving your tongue a cleaner, more effective, and better way to eliminate bad breath.
Try Tongue Scraping for Fresh Breath Today!
If you’re fed up with fighting bad breath, tongue scraping might be the easy answer you’ve been searching for. It’s a swift and effective means of killing bacteria, enhancing your oral hygiene, and improving your self-confidence. Come to Lobay Dental Group for personalized guidance on tongue scraping and other oral care habits that can assist you in attaining better breath and general oral health.
