The process of cleaning your tongue with a scraper dates back to ancient times. But it has only recently caught the attention of the West, purely because the benefits of tongue scraping are many, especially for those who wish to try it.
Specifically, tongue scraping helps to keep bad bacteria and food debris away. It also removes dead cells from the surface of the tongue, effectively keeping it clean and odour-free.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Let's take a look at the several benefits of tongue scraping and how it can improve your overall health.
5 Amazing Benefits Of Tongue Scraping
The five main benefits of tongue scraping include reduction and removal of bad breath, improvement of taste, better digestion, removal of bacteria, and improvement of overall health. Here's how.
Reduces bad breath: You will be surprised by the effectiveness of tongue scraping in reducing and eventually removing bad breath from your mouth. That's because when you are scraping your tongue, you actually remove the debris, dead cells, and bacteria that causes bad breath. It also visibly improves the appearance.
Improves a sense of taste: Once you make tongue scraping a part of your daily routine, you'll find that your sense of taste has also improved. As tongue scraping removes the dead cells and the other substances from the surface of your tongue, your palate becomes fresh. You can thus, clearly differentiate between different flavours.
Improves digestion: Tongue scraping activates enzymes present in your saliva, thereby breaking down the food for easy digestion by the gut. This method of cleaning your tongue also helps to eliminate the toxins that accumulate in your mouth overnight.
Removes bacteria: According to a study, researchers found that using a tongue scraper twice a day for seven days reduces the overall incidence of Lactobacilli bacteria and Mutans streptococci inside the mouth. Both these bacterias are known to cause bad breath and dental decay.
Improves overall health: When you remove bacteria, it is also helps to prevent cavities, gum, and other infections in your mouth.
Remember that all these benefits are only visible when you are consistent.
For instance, using a tongue scraper only in the morning is not going to prevent bad breath, which may develop later in the day. If you are worried about your bad breath, scrap your tongue after every meal. This will prevent the accumulation of bacteria that results in bad breath.
How To Clean Your Tongue With A Scraper
Before you start the tongue scraping process, it is important to buy the right tool. There are many options available in the market.
For instance, you can choose from those made of copper, plastic, bamboo, or stainless steel. Most of the tongue scrapers will come with a slightly rounded shape, much like an inverted spoon.
While copper and stainless steel are good for adults, it is best to opt for the plastic or bamboo ones for your children. They are less harsh on their sensitive tongues and also pose less danger.
With that out of the way, let's take a look at the method of tongue scraping.
Steps of tongue scraping
- Stick out your tongue while you stand in front of the mirror.
- Gently rub the rounded end of the tongue scraper to the back of your tongue.
- Initially, you may be worried about gagging, so you can start from the middle of your tongue. Once you get used to it, you can try starting from farther back.
- Now move the scraper and bring it forward, towards the tip of your tongue. Remember, you should always take your scraper from the back of the tongue to the tip and not the other way round. This way you prevent damage to your tongue.
- One or two scrapes across the same area is enough.
- After you are done, wash the tongue scraper with warm water soap and then dry it. Always keep it in a clean and dry place.
The entire process will not take you more than two minutes. If need be, you should repeat the process after each meal or twice a day as you brush. Remember to be gentle while you are at it, otherwise, you may hurt yourself.
When Should You Visit The Dentist To Get Your Tongue Cleaned?
In most cases, cleaning the surface of your tongue usually takes the bad breath away. But if it continues to be a problem, then you need to consult your dentist.
The doctor will be able to diagnose the problem because bad breath can also be caused by tooth decay or an infection inside your mouth, throat. In rare cases, bad breath is also a sign of cancer. So don't ignore the problem and get it treated.
It is thus, important to incorporate good oral hygiene habits into your daily life and that of the lives of your children. Here are some ways in which you can help them stay on track.
Oral Hygiene Guide For The Family
In addition to tongue scraping, here are a few more things you can do to ensure good oral hygiene of your family.
- Brush your teeth twice a day. Make sure to supervise your children when they are brushing. By the time, they turn eight, your children will be able to manage this process independently. You can also make brushing a fun activity, by doing it along with the child. Let your child see how you are doing it.
- Don't ignore flossing. It is as important as brushing. Till your children turn 10 years, you will most likely have to do it for them.
- Make sure your children wash their mouth well after every meal. If they are eating anything sweet or sticky, remind them to brush their teeth soon after. This will prevent bacteria from building up inside their mouth.
- Don't ignore your children's dental appointments and checkups. This helps to ensure that your child’s teeth and gums are healthy.
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