Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: five minutes.
If you struggle with bad breath or feel like your oral hygiene routine is missing something, a tongue scraper might be the solution you need.
This simple tool can transform your oral hygiene routine and leave you with fresher breath every day.
In this blog, you will learn about tongue scrapers, their history, types, benefits, and how to use them.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Tongue Scraper?
- The History of Tongue Scraping
- Types of Tongue Scrapers
- Benefits of Using a Tongue Scraper
- Why Keeping Your Tongue Clean Matters
- How to Use a Tongue Scraper
- Visit Our Dental Office in Greeley, CO
Key Takeaway
A tongue scraper removes bacteria from your tongue that cause bad breath, leaving your mouth cleaner and fresher. Be sure to complement this with regular dental exams and cleanings to maintain optimal oral health.
What Is a Tongue Scraper?
A scraper is a tool designed to clean your tongue by removing buildup, bacteria, and debris.
Unlike a toothbrush, a scraper is specifically shaped to glide across the surface of your tongue. It is an effective way to keep your tongue clean.
The History of Tongue Scraping
Tongue scraping is an ancient practice that has stood the test of time, with its origins rooted in traditional medicine and cultural rituals worldwide.
Ayurvedic Medicine: The Beginnings of Tongue Scraping
In Ayurveda, tongue scraping, known as Jihwa Prakshalana, has been a key component of oral hygiene and detoxification routines for thousands of years.
Practitioners believed that removing toxins, or ama, from the tongue was essential for maintaining overall health and preventing disease. The use of copper tongue scrapers was especially common due to natural antibacterial properties of copper.
Learn more about The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health.
Ancient Civilizations and Tongue Cleaning
Other ancient cultures also valued tongue cleaning:
- Chinese medicine: Traditional Chinese medicine incorporated tongue examination as a diagnostic tool and promoted tongue cleaning for balance in the body.
- Roman and Greek practices: Historical texts suggest that Romans and Greeks also recognized the importance of oral hygiene, using primitive tools to clean their tongues.
- Middle Eastern traditions: Early Islamic hygiene routines included tongue cleaning as part of overall oral care, emphasizing cleanliness as part of daily worship.
Modern Revival of Tongue Scraping
The resurgence of tongue scraping in recent decades stems from increased awareness of its oral health benefits:
- Dentists and oral care specialists now recommend tongue scraping as part of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine.
- Studies have confirmed its effectiveness in reducing bad breath bacteria and tongue buildup.
Types of Tongue Scrapers
Different materials and designs allow you to choose a tongue scraper that suits your needs.
Metal Tongue Scrapers
- Stainless steel tongue scrapers: Durable, easy to clean, and long-lasting.
- Copper tongue scrapers: Known for their antibacterial properties and effectiveness.
Silicone Tongue Scrapers
- Gentle silicone tongue scrapers: Ideal for people with sensitive tongues.
Plastic Tongue Scrapers
- Lightweight and affordable but may not last as long as metal options.
Benefits of Using a Tongue Scraper
Adding a scraper to your oral hygiene routine offers many benefits.
- Fresher breath: It removes bad breath bacteria and food debris trapped on your tongue.
- Improved oral health: Reduces tongue buildup and supports healthy teeth and gums.
- Enhanced sense of taste: Cleans a coated tongue, allowing you to enjoy food flavors more fully.
- Convenient oral care: Scrapers are easy to use and fit seamlessly into your daily routine.
Why Keeping Your Tongue Clean Matters
Your tongue can harbor bacteria, dead cells, and food particles, leading to issues like bad breath and oral health problems.
Regular tongue cleaning helps prevent:
- Bad breath halitosis: Caused by bacteria buildup.
- Excess tongue bacteria: Linked to gum disease and tooth decay.
- Black hairy tongue: A condition where the tongue surface appears coated or discolored.
How to Use a Tongue Scraper
For best results, scrape your tongue once a day, preferably in the morning. Consistent tongue scraping is the key to long-lasting fresh breath and improved oral health.
Follow these steps for proper tongue scraping:
- Choose your scraper: Select a stainless steel or copper scraper for durability, or opt for silicone if you prefer a gentler option.
- Rinse with warm water: Start with a clean scraper.
- Position the scraper: Place it at the back of your tongue.
- Scrape forward: Gently pull the scraper toward the tip of your tongue.
- Rinse and repeat: Rinse the scraper and repeat until your tongue feels and looks clean.
Using a Tongue Scraper with a Tongue Piercing
If you have a tongue piercing, maintaining proper hygiene is crucial to prevent irritation or infection.
You can still use a tongue cleaner safely by following these steps:
- Remove the piercing: Unscrew and carefully remove your tongue jewelry before scraping.
- Clean the piercing: Rinse the jewelry with warm water and a mild cleanser to keep it free from bacteria.
- Scrape your tongue: Use your tongue cleaner as usual, ensuring you clean the entire tongue surface gently.
- Rinse and replace: Rinse your mouth and the scraper thoroughly, then reinsert your piercing.
Visit Our Dental Office in Greeley, CO
Tongue scrapers are a worthwhile investment in your oral health.
Combined with regular dental checkups and cleanings, using a tongue scraper can help reduce bacteria, improve breath freshness, and contribute to better overall oral health.
If it’s been awhile since your last checkup and cleaning or if you are looking for a dentist accepting new patients, we can help!To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, call (970) 515-3550 or complete the online inquiry form! Let us help you maintain a fresher breath and excellent oral health.
