The tongue scraper is an instrument used to remove the whitish plaque accumulated on the surface of the tongue, known as the tongue coating. The use of this instrument can help to reduce the bacteria present in the mouth and assist in reducing bad breath, which can be found in pharmacies and supermarkets.
It has been proven that the use of the tongue scraper is more effective for cleaning the tongue than the toothbrush, as it removes the coating more easily and better eliminates the materials and food debris accumulated on the tongue. However, even if using a scraper, the tongue remains white, it is necessary to seek assistance from a dentist, as it may be a sign of oral candidiasis.
What is it for
The scraper is a product used to keep the tongue cleaner, eliminating the whitish plaque that is formed from food scraps, and also, the use of this instrument can bring other benefits, such as:
- Decreased bad breath;
- Reduction of bacteria in the mouth;
- Improved taste;
- Prevention of tooth decay and gum disease.
In order for these advantages to be visible on a daily basis, it is important to maintain a good brushing of the teeth and use the tongue scraper at least twice a day, that is, this product will only help in oral hygiene if the use is made all the days after brushing your teeth. Learn how to brush your teeth properly.
How to use the tongue scraper
The tongue scraper should be used daily, at least twice, after brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, as if it is used from time to time it will not be possible to observe the benefits such as reducing bad breath and eliminating the coating lingual.
To clean the tongue with the scraper it is necessary to put it out of the mouth, positioning the rounded part of this product towards the throat. After that, the scraper must be pulled slowly up to the tip of the tongue, eliminating the white plate. This process must be repeated between 2 to 3 times, and the scraper must be washed with water each time the tongue coating is pulled.
It is important to remember that if it is inserted too deeply into the throat, it can cause nausea, so it is recommended to place the scraper only until the end of the tongue. In addition, these instruments are not disposable, they can be used several times and are found for purchase in pharmacies and supermarkets, having several models, such as plastic and ayurveda, which is made of stainless steel or copper.
Who should not use
People with sores and fissures on the tongue, such as lesions caused by herpes or canker sores, should not use the tongue scraper because of the risk of hurting the tongue wall further and because it can cause bleeding. Some people may be intolerant of using a scraper, as they feel a lot of vomiting during the tongue cleaning process and, in these cases, a good tooth brushing is enough.
When to go to the dentist
In some cases, the scraping of the tongue does not reduce the whitish plaques on the tongue and does not improve bad breath and, therefore, a dentist's evaluation is necessary, as this may indicate the presence of oral candidiasis. See more on how to identify oral candidiasis and how treatment is done.
See other tips on how to end the white tongue:
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Bibliography
- AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION. Tongue Scrapers and Cleaners. Available in: . Accessed on Dec 13, 2019
- STATE SECRETARIAT FOR EDUCATION OF PARANÁ. Oral health guidelines. 2008. Available at:. Accessed on Dec 13, 2019
- SCI INVEST DENT. Effectiveness of tongue scrapers on oral health. 2012. Available at:. Accessed on Dec 13, 2019
- OUTHOUSE, Trent L. et al. Tongue scraping for treating halitosis. Cochrane. Vol.4. 1-15, 2008
- PEDRAZZI, V. et al. Tongue-Cleaning Methods: A Comparative Clinical Trial Employing a Toothbrush and a Tongue Scraper. Journal of Periodontology. Vol.75, n.7. 1009-1012, 2004
