Call Now
Directions
Schedule

29653 Dentist | Should I Be Using a Tongue Scraper?

Best Dentist Near Me

Should You Be Using One?

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) found scraping your tongue results in a noticeable decrease in the sulfur compounds which can lead to bad breath. According to a study in the Journal of Periodontology, tongue scrapers reduced these compounds by 75%, while using a standard toothbrush only reduced 45% of sulfur compounds. Choose a method that works best for your mouth, but make sure you are taking care of your tongue.

What Do They Do?

While they may help alleviate bad breath, scraper’s main function is to clean off debris and bacteria from your tongue. Your toothbrush is designed to effectively clean teeth, but the surface of your tongue is very different from that of your teeth. A tongue scraper may provide a more thorough cleaning for your tongue.

How Do I Use One?

Start by washing out your mouth. When you are ready, clean your tongue, place the scraper in the back of your mouth, and gently pull it forward. Make sure you are scraping all areas of your tongue, but do not push so far back that you gag. You will want to rinse your mouth after you are done. Be sure to clean the scraper when you are finished.

While you might not be used to cleaning your tongue, it can be an effective solution for bad breath and bacteria caused by food. At your next appointment, ask about other ways of keeping your tongue clean and your mouth healthy. Keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing is crucial to maintaining your oral health and preventing unhealthy bacteria.

For more tips on a healthy mouth or to schedule your next visit to our Hodges dental office, please contact us. We look forward to seeing you.

Resources: Academy of General Dentistry

http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=T&iid=306&aid=3192

Journal of Periodontology

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15341360?_ga=1.35377893.577180490.1479232766

See What Our patients Are Saying

Greenwood Dentist Dentist in Hodges

“The best dentist office around! All the staff are fabulous, so professional and kind. My family and I wouldn’t go anywhere else. And that Dr. Fennell is one awesome dentist, with every patient, even children and the elderly. I recommend this office to everyone that needs a dentist!“

- Sarah H

“Great dentist! I had the same dentist for 35 years. I was very nervous about going to a new dentist. Piedmont Family Dentistry felt like home at the first visit. One crown and two years later, same great service.”

- Tom P

Piedmont Family Dentistry

3404 Cokesbury Road,
Hwy 254, Hodges, SC 29653

We are located across from Parkseed