You may be wondering if you can simply brush your tongue with your toothbrush... The answer is... Yes, although some research shows that using a tongue scraper will maximize your tongue's cleanliness! Tongue scraping can help remove bacteria and dead cells and may have other benefits, including improving your sense of taste!
To use a toothbrush or a tongue scraper?
The results of one study (Tongue-Cleaning Methods: A Comparative Clinical Trial Employing a Toothbrush and a Tongue Scraper) suggest tongue scrapers removed 30% more sulfur compounds on the tongue than a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Tongue scrapers are slightly rounded tools made of either metal or plastic. They can be found online or at your local store that sells dental items, often for under $10! Tongue scraping is a great way to remove bacteria that cause bad breath.
Tongue scraping may:
Remove bacteria - Getting rid of the bacteria is key to preventing cavities, and gum disease. Tongue scraping can help clear these bacteria from the mouth, improving your overall oral health!
Improve your sense of taste - Some research suggested that using a tongue scraper 2x daily can improve your sense of taste.
Improve the appearance of your tongue - Buildup of excess debris can cause your tongue to take on a white, coated appearance. Daily scraping can help remove this coating and prevent it from returning. If you are concerned about your tongue's appearance, make sure to call us at (617) 696-5257!
Reduce bad breath - Scraping was more effective than brushing at removing odor-causing bacteria.
How to us a tongue scraper:
Gently place the scraper on your tongue.
Slowly pull it toward the tip of your tongue.
After each scrape, rinse off the tongue scraper.
Repeat until you’ve scraped the entire surface of your tongue. Just 1 or 2 scrapes should do the trick!
Done! Wash the tongue scraper with warm water and soap, dry, and store in a clean, dry area.
DO NOT push the scraper from the tip of your tongue back. Always go from the back of the tongue to the tip.
Send us a call today to schedule your next cleaning (or to become a new patient)! (617) 696-5257
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/tongue-scraping#see-your-dentist
Pedrazzi, V., Sato, S., de Mattos, M.d.G.C., Lara, E.H.G. and Panzeri, H. (2004), Tongue-Cleaning Methods: A Comparative Clinical Trial Employing a Toothbrush and a Tongue Scraper. Journal of Periodontology, 75: 1009-1012. https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.2004.75.7.1009