Tongue scraping is surging in popularity due to social media buzz the practice received last year. It’s not just a fad, though: it’s actually one of the best things you can do to promote good oral health. Here are 5 major benefits of incorporating a daily tongue scraping into your oral hygiene routine.
1. A Cleaner Mouth
Your tongue is hard to clean with a toothbrush and floss, so many people neglect it. Scraping it clean removes the bacteria and food particles that would otherwise sit on it undisturbed. Putting in the extra effort cleans up your oral biome and helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Less Discolouration
Most tongue discolouration is caused by food and bacteria build-up between the papillae. Scraping removes most of these contaminants and leaves your tongue looking pink and healthy. Some medical conditions can also cause your tongue to change colour, though, so be sure to follow up with your doctor or dentist if you don’t see an improvement.
3. Fresher Breath
Bacteria on your tongue can cause bad breath that doesn’t go away with regular brushing and flossing. Scraping your tongue every day will get rid of the bacteria causing the foul odour and make it easier to get that minty-fresh breath everyone loves.
4. Improved Sense of Taste
Not scraping your tongue regularly can block the taste buds on the surface of your tongue, impairing your ability to enjoy your food. Once your tongue is clean, you’ll taste complex flavours more clearly and banish any bad-tasting bacteria and food residue that might be lingering in your mouth.
5. Better Overall Health
Oral bacteria overgrowth drives inflammation and can contribute to serious conditions like kidney disease, heart disease, arthritis, and even cancer. Giving your tongue a daily scraping reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth and helps protect you against these negative effects. If you’re lucky, you’ll lead a longer, healthier life with plenty of time and energy to do the things you love.
Get More Oral Hygiene Tips at Coscarella Family Dentistry
Tongue scraping is just one of the many things you can do to achieve a cleaner, healthier mouth. If you’re interested in exploring more helpful oral hygiene practices, our team will be happy to help. Contact us today to book your first appointment and let us guide you toward better oral health.
