You brush, you floss, but have you thought about what’s on your tongue? The team at Southgate Dental Centre knows that a complete oral care routine can make a big difference. Add a simple step—tongue scraping—and you might notice some pleasant changes. It’s a quick way to help keep your whole mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Adding this simple habit to your daily routine can freshen your breath, improve taste, and support your overall oral health. Gently scraping your tongue removes the coating from your tongue’s surface, helping you feel more confident in your smile and breath.
What Is Tongue Scraping?
Tongue scraping is just what it sounds like—using a small, rounded tool to gently remove the coating from the surface of your tongue.
What Comes off Your Tongue?
When you scrape your tongue, you are clearing away a mixture of things that naturally collect there, including:
- Bacteria
- Food debris
- Dead skin cells
- The white or yellowish film you sometimes see
Freshen Your Breath & Improve Your Taste
A lot of the bacteria that cause bad breath live on your tongue. When these bacteria break down food particles and other debris, they can release odours that affect your breath. When you scrape your tongue, you remove these bacteria, leaving your mouth feeling fresher for longer than brushing alone.
When your tongue has a buildup, it can obscure your taste buds, dulling the flavours of your food, making meals less satisfying than they could be. By clearing that layer away, you expose your taste buds, which may help you taste your meals more fully. Food can become more flavourful and enjoyable, from your morning coffee to your evening dinner.
Support Your Overall Oral Health
Removing bacteria from your tongue helps reduce the total bacterial count in your mouth. A cleaner tongue contributes to a healthier environment for your teeth and gums, complementing your brushing and flossing habits.
A clean tongue also tends to have a healthy, pink appearance, a visual reminder that your mouth is getting the care it needs.
Create a Clean Mouth Feel
Many people enjoy the feeling of a freshly scraped tongue. It adds a final touch to your oral hygiene routine, leaving your whole mouth feeling exceptionally clean and refreshed.
That fresh feeling can be a strong motivator to stay consistent with your daily care routine. When your mouth feels good, you are more likely to keep up with the habits that keep it healthy.
How to Use a Tongue Scraper Correctly
Adding tongue scraping to your routine is simple. It takes only a minute and can be done right after you brush your teeth in the morning or evening.
A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Stand in front of a mirror and stick your tongue out.
- Place the rounded edge of the scraper at the very back of your tongue.
- Gently pull the scraper forward toward the tip of your tongue in one long stroke.
- Rinse the scraper under warm water to remove debris.
- Repeat three to five times, then rinse your mouth.
How Often to Scrape
Scraping your tongue once or twice a day is usually enough to see the benefits. Many people like to do it first thing in the morning to remove bacteria that built up overnight.
Visit Southgate Dental Centre to Up Your Dental Hygiene
If you have questions about tongue scraping or want guidance tailored to your specific oral health, the team at Southgate Dental Centre is ready to help. You can chat with a dentist in South Edmonton at your next appointment.
