Care for Your Teeth

4 Nonnegotiable Ways To Care For Your Teeth

Way #1: Remove Bacteria and Debris with a Tongue Scraper

A tongue scraper is a simple yet effective tool that can make a big difference in your oral health. It’s a long, thin, flat piece of metal (or plastic) shaped like a “U” that removes bacteria, food debris, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue. This practice has been around for centuries in Ayurveda, known as Jihwa Prakshalana.

To use a tongue scraper, simply reach back as far as you can on the tongue, stick your tongue out, and drag the scraper forward a few times along your tongue. This helps to remove bacteria and debris that can cause bad breath, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

Why is Tongue Scraping Important?

Tongue scraping is important because it helps to remove bacteria and debris that can accumulate on the tongue and cause a range of oral health issues. When bacteria and debris build up on the tongue, it can lead to:

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Inflammation of the tongue and mouth

How to Incorporate Tongue Scraping into Your Daily Routine

Tongue scraping is a simple habit to incorporate into your daily routine. Try to scrape your tongue at the same time every day, such as when you brush your teeth. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use a tongue scraper that is gentle on the tongue and easy to clean
• Scrape your tongue gently, avoiding the sensitive areas
• Scrape your tongue in one direction only, from back to front
• Rinse your tongue scraper with water after each use

Conclusion

Taking care of your teeth and tongue is an important part of maintaining good oral health. By incorporating tongue scraping into your daily routine, you can help to remove bacteria and debris that can cause a range of oral health issues. Remember to use a tongue scraper that is gentle on the tongue and easy to clean, and to scrape your tongue gently and in one direction only.

FAQs

Q: Is tongue scraping painful?
A: No, tongue scraping should not be painful. If you experience any discomfort or pain while scraping your tongue, try using a gentler tongue scraper or scraping your tongue more gently.

Q: How often should I scrape my tongue?
A: It’s recommended to scrape your tongue at the same time every day, such as when you brush your teeth. However, you can scrape your tongue as often as you like, depending on your oral health needs.

Q: Can I use a toothbrush to scrape my tongue?
A: No, it’s not recommended to use a toothbrush to scrape your tongue. Toothbrushes are designed for cleaning teeth, not tongues, and can cause irritation and discomfort. Instead, use a tongue scraper specifically designed for this purpose.

Q: Will tongue scraping help with bad breath?
A: Yes, tongue scraping can help to remove bacteria and debris that can cause bad breath. By removing these substances from the tongue, you can help to freshen your breath and improve your overall oral health.