Introduction
Keeping your tongue clean is an essential part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Many people struggle with deciding whether to use a tongue scraper before or after brushing their teeth. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why you should clean your tongue and provide a detailed guide on how to properly use both options.
Why Scrape Your Tongue?
Bacteria and Bad Breath
Your mouth is home to billions of bacteria, and while brushing and flossing effectively remove plaque from the牙齿, they do not remove bacteria that accumulate on the back of your tongue. This bacteria can produce volatile sulfur compounds, leading to bad breath. Regularly cleaning your tongue can prevent this issue and improve your overall oral health.
Improves Sense of Taste
Food particles, dead cells, and other deposits can build up on your tongue, which can change its appearance and reduce the taste of your food. A tongue scraper removes these obstructions, which can make your taste buds more receptive and enhance your sense of taste.
How to Use a Tongue scraper
There are two main types of tongue scrapers available: those that are plastic and those that have a second scraping edge made from metal or other materials. Both types are effective in removing bacteria, food debris, and dead cells from the surface of your tongue.
To properly use a tongue scraper, follow these steps:
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Open your mouth and stick out your tongue.
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Hold the handle of the tongue scraper, place it as far back on your tongue as possible.
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Apply a slight amount of pressure and pull the tongue scraper to the front of your tongue in one slow motion.
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Rinse the tongue scraper under running water to remove any scraped-off coating.
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Repeat this process several times, covering the entire surface of your tongue, including the sides.
When to Scrape Your Tongue
In the United States, the most common recommendation is to use a tongue scraper after brushing your teeth. This sequence can help improve breath freshness and overall oral health. However, several studies have found that tongue brushing (without a tongue scraper) is as effective or even more so at reducing bad breath and removing harmful bacteria and plaque from the tongue.
If you experience persistent bad breath, it may be necessary to have a check-up with a dentist to determine the cause of the issue. In the meantime, incorporating tongue scraping into your daily routine can be beneficial. Some people choose to use a tongue scraper before brushing their teeth to remove bacteria that may have accumulated while they slept.
How Often Should You Scrape Your Tongue?
The American Dental Association recommends that you should clean your tongue at least once a day, preferably early in the morning before brushing your teeth. If you experience frequent bad breath, you may want to consider adding tongue scraping to your routine more frequently.
Conclusion
If you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to learn more about tongue scraping or other aspects of oral hygiene, please feel free to ask your dentist or a dental professional. They can provide personalized advice and guidance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
