Oral hygiene
What is a tongue scraper and how sensible is the application?
Tongue cleaners are used less frequently in European realms than in Asian space, where Ayurvedic oral hygiene has long been exercised. What is behind it?
A tongue scraper is a small instrument that is used to clean the tongue. The purpose of the application is to reduce the coverings on the tongue and thus improve oral hygiene. Because the fact is: On our tongue, millions of tiny bacteria live that decompose food residues and produce sulfur – and that smells: bad bad breath is the result of coverings on the tongue. If these are removed (or at least reduced) by the tongue cleaner, our breath should also smell better. But does that work too? And how do you use a tongue cleaner correctly?
Overview: This tongue scraper is currently available
In Asian space, such as India, many people use tongue scrubs made of metal (Silver or ). They are easy to clean and therefore last a particularly long time. In Europe, on the other hand, most drugstore chains can only be found in tongue cleaners : They are significantly cheaper to buy, but they also have a lower shelf life – since they cannot be cleaned as well as it is with toothbrushes.
Regardless of the material, all tongue scraps have one in common: their shape, which adapts perfectly to the tongue anatomy. Regardless of whether it is curved or u-shaped-all models are narrow and flat so that you can remove the surface (without triggering the gag), especially in the back of the tongue. Because the fact is: less bacteria collect in the front area of the tongue, as it touches their palate when speaking and swallowing and thus remains “cleaner”.
Application: Insert tongue scraping correctly
Ideally, turn the Twice a day: Brushing your teeth once in the morning and once in the evening. Proceed as follows:
- Pull the cleaner over your outstretched tongue from the back to the front.
- Wash the collected surface on the tongue scraping back under running water.
- Repeat the whole process at least three to four times in a row until there is no more coverage on the tongue scraper.
- Then flush your mouth thoroughly and let the (cleaned) tongue scraper dry in the air.
And another tip: Give a small amount of toothpaste with antimicrobial ingredients on the (or on your tongue) before you start cleaning.
Conclusion: How sensible is a tongue scraper?
So far there are no scientific studies that show that a tongue scraper (whether made of metal or plastic) can really reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth. However, the pads on the tongue are noticeably reduced – according to a dentist who has taken a closer look at the cleaning effect. For this reason, the purchase of a tongue cleaner can make sense to improve oral hygiene and avoid poor bad breath.
*This article contains so-called affiliate links to products in online shops. If a user clicks on it and buys something, the publisher receives a commission from the dealer, not from the manufacturer. Of course, where and when you buy a product is up to you.
Source: Stern
I’m Caroline, a journalist and author for 24 Hours Worlds. I specialize in health-related news and stories, bringing real-world impact to readers across the globe. With my experience in journalism and writing in both print and online formats, I strive to provide reliable information that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
