Should I Be Using a Tongue Scraper? | Dentist in 68776

Dentist in 68776

In addition to brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing at least once, it is also important to take good care of your tongue. Bacteria can build up on your tongue throughout the day. For some patients, using a tongue scraper can be the best solution for a cleaner, healthier tongue.

Family 1st Dentist in South Sioux City, NE 68776

Should You Be Using One?

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) found scraping your tongue results in a noticeable decrease in the sulfur compounds which can lead to bad breath. According to a study in the Journal of Periodontology, tongue scrapers reduced these compounds by 75%, while using a standard toothbrush only reduced 45% of sulfur compounds. Choose a method that works best for your mouth, but make sure you are taking care of your tongue.

What Do They Do?

While they may help alleviate bad breath, scraper’s main function is to clean off debris and bacteria from your tongue. Your toothbrush is designed to effectively clean teeth, but the surface of your tongue is very different from that of your teeth. A tongue scraper may provide a more thorough cleaning for your tongue.

How Do I Use One?

Start by washing out your mouth. When you are ready, clean your tongue, place the scraper in the back of your mouth, and gently pull it forward. Make sure you are scraping all areas of your tongue, but do not push so far back that you gag. You will want to rinse your mouth after you are done. Be sure to clean the scraper when you are finished.

While you might not be used to cleaning your tongue, it can be an effective solution for bad breath and bacteria caused by food. At your next appointment, ask about other ways of keeping your tongue clean and your mouth healthy. Keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing is crucial to maintaining your oral health and preventing unhealthy bacteria.

For more tips on a healthy mouth or to schedule your next visit to our Family 1st dental office, please contact our South Sioux City dentist, today. We look forward to seeing you.

Resources: Academy of General Dentistry 

http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=T&iid=306&aid=3192

Journal of Periodontology

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15341360?_ga=1.35377893.577180490.1479232766

Family 1st Dental of South Sioux City
Phone: (402) 494-2144
3220 Plaza Drive
South Sioux City, NE 68776

Return to Blog Articles

Visit Our South Sioux City Dental Office

South Sioux City Location

3220 Plaza Drive,
South Sioux City, NE 68776

(402) 494-2144

Screen Shot 2019-07-23 at 11.11.46 AM

Our Dental News

Changing Your Spots: White Areas on Teeth | South Sioux City NE Dentist

White spots on your teeth can be irritating and affect how you feel about your smile. The good news, however, is that they are preventable and rarely cause for concern. Here are things you should know about what causes white […]

Learn More

Modern Dentistry: Managing TMD Discomfort | South Sioux City Dentist

Discomfort and pain in your jaw, clicking while you talk or chew, and swelling on the sides of your face can be caused by Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). TMD can make talking and eating both painful and uncomfortable. Our team […]

Learn More

Should You Brush Right After Eating? | South Sioux City NE Dentist

Enamel is the guardian of your teeth and the hardest material in the body. It’s the first defense against harmful bacteria which may lead to tooth decay. When you eat certain foods, it creates bacteria which attack your tooth enamel. […]

Learn More