Tongue scraper.
It sounds like some sort of medieval torture contraption, but what is it really?
Why is everyone and their grandmothers talking about it?
And the most important question, does a tongue scraper actually work as a bad breath treatment?
Well, hang on to your dental hats because we’re about to reveal the truth about this mysterious little contraption …
Watch Your (Coated) Tongue!
Before you read on, go take a look at your tongue in the mirror. (It’s OK. We’ll wait.)
Was your tongue a nice even pink, with no film on it?
Or … was there a white coating on your tongue? If there was, then you likely have bad breath RIGHT NOW.
That coating is bacteria, made up of food debris, toxins and dead skin cells.
Bacteria is stinky … and the tongue is a magnet for this yucky stuff because of all its grooves and fissures.
In fact, according to a study published in the International Journal of Oral Science, bacteria on the tongue is the #1 cause of bad breath.
What Is a Tongue Scraper … and Can It Really Cure Bad Breath?
Some people call it a tongue scraper. Others a tongue cleaner. We like to call it the best-kept secret for fresh breath.
Tongue scrapers can vary a bit in appearance, from their shape to the material they’re made of, but they’re all designed to do the same job: remove bacteria from the tongue.
(We love this tongue scraper. It’s gentle on the taste buds, light as a feather, and costs less than a latte!)
Cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper is easy: just stick out your tongue and sweep the tongue scraper gently down your tongue from back to front. Rinse off any gunk and repeat 2–3 times daily.
As for the tongue scraper’s ability to get rid of bad breath, check it out:
A clinical trial proved that tongue scraping reduces stinky bacteria in the mouth by 75%. And it’s 50% more effective than brushing the tongue!
Are you a member of the Gag Reflex Sufferers Society ;)? Well, here’s more good news: scraping the tongue is less likely to trigger your gag reflex compared to a toothbrush.
Beyond Fresh Breath … 4 More Benefits of Tongue Scraping
1. Healthier smile. Bacteria on the tongue can also damage your teeth and gums. Seventy-five percent less bacteria in the mouth will make a huge difference in the health of your smile!
2. Better sense of taste. Getting rid of buildup on the tongue will free up your taste buds to enjoy all your favorite foods again in full living color!
3. Beautifies your tongue. LOL moments are awesome … but when someone can see inside your mouth, a coated tongue is no laughing matter.
4. Boosts your immunity. When you’re catching your Zzzs, your digestive system removes toxins from the body … and deposits them on your tongue. Scraping your tongue in the morning means your body won’t reabsorb the yuck.
Tongue Scraping Tips
- Replace your tongue scraper as often as you would your toothbrush, about every 3 months.
- Start scraping as far back on the tongue as you can. The tip of the tongue is pretty self-cleaning; it’s the back part that needs the most TLC.
- Easy there, muscles! Yes, you can damage your taste buds if you’re scraping your tongue with too much oomph. Be firm but gentle.
- Scrape your tongue at least twice a day, preferably morning and evening before you brush.
- Use a spoon to scrape your tongue if you’re in a pinch. It’s not as effective as a tongue scraper but will still get the job done.
Just Scrape and Go
Think about it … Something that is so quick and easy could be the bad breath cure you’ve been waiting for! No expensive bad breath treatments, no trips to the dentist, no popping mints like a maniac. With a tongue scraper, you literally just scrape and go! Try it, love it!
(Psst … You can get your hands on the tongue scraper dentists recommend right here.)