When it comes to maintaining a healthy mouth, brushing and flossing often get most of the attention. But there’s one simple tool that can make a big impact on your oral hygiene: the tongue scraper. At River Valley Smile Center, we encourage our patients to take their oral care routine a step further by including tongue cleaning each day—for fresher breath and better overall oral health.
Why Should You Clean Your Tongue?
Your tongue’s surface is covered with tiny bumps and grooves that can trap food particles, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Over time, this buildup forms a coating that can lead to persistent bad breath (halitosis), increase plaque in the mouth, and even contribute to gum disease. While brushing your tongue does help, it doesn’t always remove all the residue. That’s where a tongue scraper comes in—it’s specially designed to clean your tongue more thoroughly and efficiently.
What Is a Tongue Scraper?
A tongue scraper is a small tool, usually U-shaped, and made of plastic or metal. It’s designed to glide gently along the surface of your tongue to remove that thin, often whitish coating. This coating is made up of bacteria, food debris, and dead cells—things you definitely want to clear away. Using a tongue scraper only takes a few seconds, but it can have long-lasting benefits for your breath and the cleanliness of your mouth.
Benefits of Tongue Scraping
- Helps eliminate bad breath by removing odor-causing bacteria
- Enhances your sense of taste by clearing the tongue’s surface
- Promotes a cleaner mouth and fresher breath
- Supports a healthier oral environment and reduces plaque buildup
How to Use It
Using a tongue scraper is easy. After brushing and flossing, simply place the scraper at the back of your tongue and gently pull it forward. Rinse the scraper after each pass, and clean it thoroughly when you’re done.
At River Valley Smile Center, we’re always looking for ways to help you improve your smile. Ask us about tongue scrapers at your next visit—it’s a small step that can make a big difference!
Contact us today to schedule your next appointment!
