Have You Heard of Tongue Scraping?

Let’s walk you through

When it comes to oral hygiene, most of us focus on brushing and flossing, but here is another simple practice that can take your routine to the next level. Tongue scraping refers to the act of removing bacteria, food debris, or dead cells from the surface of the tongue. Tongue scraping is a common oral hygiene practice in Singapore among its population.

Here are some common questions answered to guide you as you begin your tongue-scraping routine.

What tools should or should not be used to scrape your tongue?

There are various tongue scrapers in the market. Some of them are made from plastic or silicone, while others can also be made out of metal. In addition, some varieties of toothbrushes even have specially-designed scrub-pads on the other side of the bristles that can be used to scrape tongues. You should not use sharp objects, or any household objects that are not specifically made for scraping tongues as this can injure your tongue.

Can tongue scraping be counter productive or even harmful to dental health?

Overzealous tongue scraping can be counter productive, causing irritation, micro-cuts, or infection especially if the tool used is not clean. It is important to use only gentle pressure and a clean, specifically-designed tongue scraper to prevent such issues.

Who should avoid tongue scraping?

Individuals with medical conditions affecting their tongue or mouth, such as ulcers on tongue, geographic tongue, or oral lichen planus should avoid tongue scraping to prevent irritation to the tongue. Patients with tongue piercings should also be careful to avoid injuring the pierced area. Consult your dentist if you have any uncertainties.

What are some recommended ways to reduce bad breath, improve sense of taste, and reduce bacteria in the mouth?

To combat bad breath, one should adopt good oral hygiene practices. Effective tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing, and usage of mouth rinse not only help with reducing bad breath, it can also help prevent other dental diseases such as dental caries and gum disease. Avoid smoking as it can also contribute to bad breath.

Staying hydrated throughout the day can also help maintain saliva production, which helps wash away food debris, prevent dry mouth, and reduce the risk of bacterial growth that can lead to bad breath.

Last but definitely not least, one should always schedule regular dental checkups to ensure that any underlying dental issues are promptly addressed.