When it comes to oral hygiene, most of us are champs at brushing and flossing. But our general dentist in Mission, BC, has a question: How often do you think about your tongue? Yes, that pink, muscular wonder in your mouth! If you’re not giving it the daily TLC it deserves, you might be missing out on a crucial step in your oral hygiene routine.
The next time you brush your teeth, take a look at your tongue. Is it pink, hydrated, and relatively smooth? If not, then it’s time to talk to the pros at Wren Street Dental. Call (604) 820-8702 to reserve an appointment with our general dentist in Mission, BC, today!
Sometimes, tongue health is as simple as removing excess plaque and food debris. Enter: tongue scraping. In this post, our general dentist, Dr. Amol Shergill, explains why tongue scraping really is that important.
What is Tongue Scraping, Anyway?
Tongue scraping might sound a bit intense, but it’s actually a super simple practice. It involves using a specially designed tool – called a tongue scraper – to gently remove debris, bacteria, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue.
Our general dentist in Mission, BC, says to run the scraper from the back of the tongue to the front a few times, and voila! You’ll be left with a cleaner, happier tongue.
Tongue scrapers are usually made of metal or plastic and come in various shapes, but they all share the same mission: to clean your tongue more effectively than a toothbrush ever could.
Why Your Tongue Deserves Daily Attention
Your tongue works hard every day, helping you talk, taste, and eat. But its rough surface also makes it a magnet for bacteria and food particles. Over time, our general dentist says that lingering bacteria and food can form a coating that leads to bad breath (halitosis) and even contributes to cavities and gum disease. Yikes!
Benefits of Daily Tongue Scraping
Taking even a few seconds to clean your tongue every day leads to benefits such as:
Reduced Bad Breath
Did you know up to 90% of bad breath originates from your tongue? Scraping helps eliminate the buildup of smelly bacteria and residue.
Enhanced Taste Buds
By removing that pesky film, you allow your taste buds to function better. Goodbye, bland meals – hello, flavor fiesta!
Improved Overall Oral Health
According to our general dentist, a cleaner tongue means fewer bacteria hanging around to mess with your teeth and gums. This keeps cavities and gum disease at bay.
Boosted Confidence
Bad breath doesn’t exactly boost self-esteem. But nothing says “I’m ready to conquer the day” like a fresh, clean mouth!
Why a Tongue Scraper Beats a Toothbrush
Now, you might be thinking, “Can’t I just brush my tongue with my toothbrush?” Sure, you can, but it’s not ideal. Our general dentist in Mission, BC, explains why:
Better Efficiency
Toothbrushes are designed for cleaning smooth tooth surfaces, not for tackling the uneven terrain of your tongue. A tongue scraper is specifically made for the job, so it’s more effective.
Gentler on Your Tongue
Scrapers are designed to glide smoothly and remove gunk without irritating your tongue. Toothbrush bristles, on the other hand, can be too harsh.
Less Bacteria Spread
Scraping removes bacteria from your mouth entirely, while brushing can sometimes just move it around.
Don’t Get Tongue Tied – Call Wren Street Dental Today!
Tongue scraping is an easy, effective way to establish better oral health. But if you’re noticing changes in the comfort or appearance of your tongue, call our general dentist in Mission, BC. Click here to request a visit with Dr. Amol Shergill, or call our front desk at (604) 820-8702 to coordinate your care.
