This might seem a little weird, but tongue scraping is actually an ancient ritual. Tongue scraping is used to remove the topcoat of residue. You use a small round tool that just takes away the top layer of the tongue bacteria. Scraping is not to be used as a replacement for brushing, but it can be an excellent way to take extra care of your oral health.
The positives of tongue scraping
There has been research that suggests people who tongue scrape actually have a better sense of taste, and that through scraping, you will be able to taste a greater difference between sweet, salty and sour flavours. A better-looking tongue. If in the past you’ve worried about your tongue's appearance or noticed a funny colour sitting on it, then committing to daily scraping could work magic for you.
- Getting rid of bacteria. Using a tongue scraper can also take away bacteria. The bacteria that cause bad breath and dental decay are Mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli, both of which lie on the tongue's surface; scraping can help remove them.
- Develop better oral health. If you want to stop decay and gum disease, then keeping the bugs at bay can really help. By regularly scraping your tongue, you can help your body clear these bacteria away.
- Improve breath. Tongue scraping does not come as a replacement for tooth brushing, but it can seriously cut down the symptoms of bad breath.
What tongue scraping doesn’t do
It’s really important to stress that tongue scraping isn’t a replacement for cleaning your teeth. Maintaining a good, well-rounded oral health routine is the main thing needed when it comes to the upkeep of good oral health. Equally, if you are experiencing issues with bad breath, then you must visit your dentist Brentwood since only your dentist will be able to diagnose exactly what’s going on. Having bad breath could be a symptom of other medical issues, or it could even be a result of a lifestyle change, so it’s best to get this checked professionally. Although tongue scraping can help clear up certain symptoms, it won’t necessarily be getting to the root cause.
How to perform tongue scraping
First, you’ll need to invest in a tongue scraper. These are easily available online and come with different price points and materials. You can buy copper, steel or even plastic tongue scrapers.
Instructions:
ONE: Place yourself in front of a mirror, ideally in the bathroom near a sink. Open your mouth and stick your tongue out as much as you can comfortably.
TWO: Put the round end of the scraper at the back of your mouth.
THREE: Start at a section of your mouth you feel comfortable with. It can be easier for beginners to start at the middle of the tongue and then slowly work towards the back as the sensation becomes bearable.
FOUR: When you’re scraping, make sure you don’t push the scraper backwards; you should always scrape from the back to the front.
FIVE: Make sure you clean the scraper properly.
SIX: Repeat the steps until you’ve scraped your entire tongue.
