Benefits of Tongue Scrapers

At Smile Solutions by Emmi Dental Associates, we offer a comprehensive range of dental services. From general dentistry treatments to preserve oral health, to restorative dentistry treatments to repair oral damage, patients will find the services they need to achieve a strong, healthy smile. But, although we offer an extensive range of restorative dentistry treatments, our ultimate goal is to help patients maintain the health and strength of the teeth and gums so they can avoid invasive dental treatments.

Professional dental care is vital to oral health preservation, but so are at home oral hygiene habits. One oral health habit is tongue scraping. We’re happy to discuss the benefits of tongue scrapers with our Wilmington, DE patients, along with why they may want to consider adding this practice to their current oral hygiene routine.

What Is Tongue Scraping?

Tongue scraping is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has only recently been acknowledged by western medicine. Tongue scraping is an oral health practice that can be completed in less time than it takes to brush the teeth. Once a day (ideally in the morning) a tongue scraper is gently dragged from the back of the tongue to the front. The tongue scraper removes coating from the tongue to leave a cleaner surface. Individuals repeat this motion around five times, or until the tongue scraper comes away clean. This is a pain-free oral hygiene practice that can greatly benefit oral health.

Benefits of Tongue Scrapers

It is common knowledge that the teeth should be brushed and flossed to remove food particles and harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and other oral health problems. The tongue is just as likely to collect undigested food particles and bacteria. Soft plaque can accumulate on the tongue, resulting in the formation of hard plaque on the teeth. Unfortunately, most people ignore their tongue when they are brushing their teeth. A tongue scraper can remove toxins and bacteria from the tongue and enhance a person’s oral health. Below are some of the many benefits of tongue scrapers:

• Reduces bacteria in the mouth, thus reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems
• Removes the coating from the tongue that is primarily responsible for halitosis, or perpetual bad breath
• Enhances a person’s sense of taste
• Promotes a healthy digestive system
• Improves oral health, which studies suggest can promote good overall physical health

Tongue scraping is a quick, easy, affordable practice that has many potential oral health benefits. Anyone who is looking to improve oral health should consider giving this ancient practice a try.

Schedule an Appointment

Even the best oral hygiene routine can benefit from professional dental care. At Smile Solutions by Emmi Dental Associates, patients can find a full range of general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry treatments. To learn more about the high-quality care offered by our team of experienced dentists, schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!