When was the last time that you properly scraped your tongue? If you’re even doing it, I bet you’re not doing it anywhere near as frequently as you should be…
There’s absolutely no reason that you shouldn’t be scraping your tongue; it comes with so many benefits that you could be missing out on! It’s been proven that tongue scraping is healthy, effective and can eliminate the risk of illness or infection.
Keep reading to find out just how tongue scraping can improve your oral hygiene!
What Is Tongue Scraping?
Tongue scraping is just that: the scraping of your tongue! We know that it sounds silly, but don’t worry: the many advantages certainly aren’t. Tongue scraping dates back CENTURIES – in fact, it’s been documented for over 2000 years! It’s been an important part of culture and oral hygiene for an incredibly long time. The reason that it’s still so widely recommended is only testament to the fact that it really can help to keep your mouth cleaner, for longer!
Scraping works as it removes any unwanted bits of debris, including food and bacteria, from the surface of your tongue – pieces that a toothbrush might have missed. You shouldn’t ever ‘replace’ the need to brush with a scraper, though. For the best results, combine tongue scraping with a full dental routine as well as regularly scheduled visits to the dentist.
Benefits of Tongue Scraping
Tongue scraping wouldn’t have remained as popular as it has without a reason. Take a look at a few of the main benefits just below:
- It can prevent gum disease and tooth infection
- It can make your breath smell better
- You could look younger
- Your mouth will feel cleaner
- It removes bacteria
- Improved sense of taste
If this isn’t incentive enough to get started right away, then I don’t know what is. If you think that scraping might be difficult, we have some good news; it’s as easy as brushing your teeth!
How to Scrape Your Tongue
In order to effectively scrape all of the particles and bacteria from your tongue, you’ll need a special tool. Many toothbrushes actually have a scraper on the underside of the head! If you do need to purchase one, they aren’t expensive; plus, the benefits make it totally worth the cost!
Here’s how you can effectively scrape your tongue to keep your teeth and mouth healthy:
- Stand in front of your mirror (your front phone camera will work, too!)
- Place the round end against your tongue, starting from the back or the middle
- Slowly bring it forward to the tip of your tongue; make sure to clean away any gunk, and always work back-to-front
- Repeat the process until you’ve covered the entire surface of your tongue
Once you’ve finished, you’ll need to clean your tongue scraper with soap and warm water. Keeping the tool clean is just as important as keeping your tongue clean!
How Long Should I Scrape My Tongue For?
Just like flossing, there isn’t a set amount of time to scrape your tongue for. Everyone will have their own preferences; it all depends on when your tongue is clean! Some people are satisfied with a quick clean, whereas others may prefer a full-on two-minute scrub. You should be able to tell when your tongue is clean, so we recommend that you base it on your own judgement.
How Often Should I Scrape?
Tongue scraping is not harmful to your tongue, so there’s no limit to how many times you can scrape. At the very least, you should try to scrape your tongue twice a day – that way, you can do it when you brush your teeth. If you’re concerned with the overall cleanliness of your tongue, though, you may prefer to scrape after every meal.
In Summary
Why Haven’t You Been Scraping Your Tongue?
Perhaps you didn’t know about the incredible benefits. Maybe you just didn’t know how to get started. Whatever reasons you have for not scraping your tongue, you can throw them away! Tongue scraping is a quick, easy change to make, that can have a drastic impact on your oral hygiene and dental health.
Personal maintenance like brushing, flossing, and scraping will all keep your teeth healthy but it's still important to see a dentist at least once every 6 months for regular checkups. If you’re looking to book in, you can do so online or by calling us on (813)-684-7888.
