Believe it or not, there’s a lot you can do to improve your oral health alongside brushing and flossing your teeth. Even though brushing and flossing daily is, of course, a must-have for good oral health, tongue scraping can be a quick but powerful addition to your oral care routine! If you’re struggling with bad breath or other dental issues then tongue scraping might just be the extra step you need for fresher breath and higher-quality home care. So, let’s get into what it is and why it matters.
What Is Tongue Scraping?
Tongue scraping involves gently removing debris, bacteria, and dead cells from the surface of your tongue by using a specialized tool called a tongue scraper. They’re traditionally made from metals like copper or stainless steel, but tongue scrapers are now also available in plastic and silicone designs for user comfort. If you’ve explored Slate’s website, you’ve likely noticed that every Slate floss head includes a rubber tongue scraper on the back. Our tongue scrapers include three rows for maximum efficiency. Two textured rows to disrupt the debris and bacteria sitting on your tongue and a smooth, angled third row to thoroughly scrape it all away. Think of your tongue scraper kind of like a squeegee. Rather than wiping your windows down with a paper towel that might leave streaks (or brushing your tongue with your toothbrush) a squeegee (or tongue scraper) ensures you get that beautiful streak-free shine.
The Benefits of Tongue Scraping
Incorporating tongue scraping into your daily oral care routine offers a variety of health benefits:
1. Fresher Breath
This is the one people tend to care about most. By scraping your tongue, you’re removing the vast majority of bacteria and food particles that are still on your tongue at the end of the day. If left undisturbed after brushing and flossing your teeth, the remaining gunk will lead to bad breath in the morning. The longer excess bacteria sits on your tongue, the more it multiplies and the worse your breath will be. That means that scraping your tongue at night is especially important if you want to avoid bad morning breath! Adding a tongue scraper into your routine is a simple way to help your mouth feel cleaner and your breath stay fresher.
2. Improved Taste Sensation
A coated tongue can dull your taste buds, making it harder to fully enjoy flavors. Have you ever eaten some incredible chips and salsa only to have the flavor sit on your tongue for a day and a half? Removing that buildup can help enhance your ability to taste, or at least bring you back to baseline after a garlic-heavy dinner. A quick tongue scraping allows you to savor your food throughout the day better.
3. Better Overall Health
Bacteria in the mouth can easily gain access to other areas of the body. Think of your mouth as a superhighway for pathogens. The bad bacteria that enter your mouth have the potential to affect your immune system, gut health, and even your brain health. That’s why practicing good at-home oral care is so crucial. It can intensely impact your overall health as well.
How to Properly Use a Tongue Scraper
Adding tongue scraping to your daily routine is simple and only takes a few seconds. Follow these easy steps:
1. Choose the Right Tool
Select a tongue scraper that suits your comfort—metal options like copper and stainless steel are durable and naturally antimicrobial, while plastic and silicone versions are gentle and flexible. Click here to view Slate’s floss heads and our customized tongue scrapers.
2. Scrape Gently
Stand in front of a mirror, open your mouth, and stick out your tongue. Place the scraper at the back of your tongue and gently pull it forward to the tip. Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent irritation. If you’re using the Slate Flosser, you also have the ability to use sonic vibrations while scraping your tongue. The flosser’s vibrations increase the effectiveness of your tongue scraping and help remove even more bacteria.
3. Rinse and Repeat
Rinse the scraper with warm water after each pass. Repeat 3-5 times or until your tongue feels clean.
4. Clean Your Scraper
After use, wash your tongue scraper with soap and warm water, then dry it thoroughly to prevent bacterial buildup.
*Important Reminder*
Tongue scraping should complement brushing and flossing, not replace them. Be sure to precede tongue scraping with brushing and flossing your teeth for complete oral care.
When and How Often to Scrape
Honestly, you can scrape your tongue as often as you see fit, as long as you’re gentle. Most people opt for one to two times a day. You're likely to reap the highest benefit in the morning before eating or drinking and right before bed. This quick routine helps eliminate overnight bacterial buildup and keeps your mouth fresh throughout the day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Scraping Too Hard
Applying excessive pressure can irritate the tongue, especially if you’re using a metal tongue scraper. Scrape gently and opt for a softer material to avoid discomfort or injury.
2. Skipping the Back of the Tongue
The back of the tongue is where bacteria accumulate. Be sure to scrape from the back of your tongue down to the tip.
3. Inconsistent Routine
For the greatest benefit, consistency is key. Try to make tongue scraping a daily habit alongside brushing and flossing.
Is Tongue Scraping Safe?
Yes! Tongue scraping is generally safe for most people. However, those with sensitive tongues, open sores, or certain medical conditions should consult a dentist before starting. Always scrape gently to avoid irritation.
Final Thoughts
Tongue scraping is a quick, simple, and effective way to improve your oral health. From fresher breath to better taste perception, this small addition to your daily routine can make a big difference. As we continue to learn more about the connection between oral health and overall wellness, adopting habits like tongue scraping can play a surprisingly large role in your systemic health. Take the extra 30 seconds and make the effort to improve your oral health.
Start today—your mouth will thank you!