You really cannot brush your teeth and gums and forget about scraping your tongue. The tongue also plays host to unwanted bacteria, so you need to make sure you take care of this part of the mouth as well. Scrape the tongue for about 2 minutes whenever you brush your teeth (usually in the morning and evening). Doing so will give you healthier teeth, strong gums, and fresher breath.
Why Tongue Scraping is Important
Yes, it is important to brush the teeth and along the gum line. However, you cannot just stop there, as the tongue is part of the mouth too. Bacteria does not just linger on the surface of the gums and teeth. It also can breed on the tongue. The best way to remove the bacteria is to use a tongue scraper. Spend about two minutes scraping the tongue. If you use a toothbrush on the tongue, choose a super soft brush and brush gently. Brushing or scraping the tongue too hard can lead to an injury.
Preventing Halitosis
Many of our dental patients complain that they brush their teeth often, but still suffer from bad breath. They have not thought about scraping the tongue, nor did they know that this added activity reduces the bacteria that leads to mouth odor. While mouthwash can mask the odor of bad breath, it will not stop the bacteria and build-up of plaque like a mouth scraper can. If you want your breath to smell fresher, you need to include tongue scraping as part of your dental regimen.
Have you been seeking for ways to brighten your smile and eliminate mouth odor at the same time? If so, investing in a tongue scraper is a viable solution. We can also provide hygiene tips for at-home dental care. Give us a call anytime for a check-up and exam. Take a proactive stance in your at-home dental routine, and you will improve your overall health and increase your self-esteem.
