While brushing and flossing each day leads to healthier gums and teeth, it helps to clean the tongue too. Bacteria can find places to settle between the teeth as well as on the tongue. Therefore, make scraping the tongue a regular part of your oral hygiene routine.
How a Tongue Scraper Can Keep Your Mouth Cleaner
Not only can a tongue scraper clean the mouth of unwanted bacteria, it also improves the sense of taste. Scraping the tongue allows you to more easily distinguish between salty, sweet, bitter, and sour flavors. In addition, researchers have found that tongue scraping removes Lactobacilli and Mutans streptococci. Both these bacteria cause halitosis and tooth decay. In addition, scraping improves the tongue's appearance and gets rid of any coating. Because you are keeping your mouth cleaner, you will also benefit overall from a health standpoint. Moreover, researchers discovered that scraping, in addition to brushing, got rid of more of the bacteria that leads to bad breath. While scraping cannot replace regular brushing and flossing, it can be used to supplement your at-home dental care routine.
How to Use a Tongue Scraper
A tongue scraper is rounded in design to fit the contours to the tongue. If you have not used one before, it is best to begin in the middle of the tongue, rather than the back, which can, initially, cause a gag response. Start from that position and move the scraper forward. Use the tongue scraper at least once a day, in the morning or at night, right after brushing your teeth. Always rinse your mouth after you use the scraper. Also rinse the scraper with water and a mild soap after use.
Scraping the tongue can make a difference in reducing tooth decay and bad breath. If you have any questions about its use, give us a call. Also, set an appointment for a dental cleaning and exam every 6 months. If you have not had your teeth cleaned in the last 6 months, now is the time to do so. We encourage preventive dental care to reduce any problems with decay and halitosis.
Dentist Pontotoc, MS | About South Main Dental At South Main Dental, we always strive toward excellence, providing dental services in a comfortable and caring atmosphere and respecting our patients' time. South Main Dental, 209 S. Main Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863 • (662) 586-2311 • southmainsmiles.com • 12/9/2023 • Page Keywords: dentist Pontotoc MS •
While brushing and flossing each day leads to healthier gums and teeth, it helps to clean the tongue too. Bacteria can find places to settle between the teeth as well as on the tongue. Therefore, make scraping the tongue a regular part of your oral hygiene routine.