Cleaning the tongue is an ancient practice, a hygiene procedure and also an Ayurvedic purification ritual. Scientific research has not come to an unambiguous conclusion regarding the effectiveness of tongue scraping (and in any case this technique should never replace other forms of oral hygiene, such as the use of brushing and flossing). However, many people with "white tongue" or bad breath are convinced of the medical benefits of this habit.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Scrape the Tongue
Step 1. Open your mouth
You have to open it as much as possible without feeling uncomfortable. This way you have more access to the language and the cleaning process will be easier.
Step 2. Stick out your tongue
Your goal is to be able to clean it comfortably, so try to get it out of your mouth as much as possible.
Avoid pinching it, otherwise you will decrease the exposed surface and make the process less effective
Step 3. Take the scraper
Grab it by the handle and rest it on the back of your tongue. The depth it can reach depends only on how comfortable you are with this operation. Remember that you can clean a larger area if you can bring the scraper far back into your mouth. If you experience a tickling sensation or gagging, it means you have pushed yourself too far.
After several scraping sessions, you will be able to reach deeper areas than the first attempts
Step 4. Start scraping
Apply firm pressure on the tool and drag it from the back to the front of the tongue in a single slow, fluid motion. The rough edge of the scraper will rub the surface of the tongue and remove any film or residue.
- During this operation you must apply firm pressure, but without feeling pain and above all without creating abrasions on the tissue of the tongue. At first attempts, it is better to err on the side of things rather than act too vigorously; you can gradually increase your strength until you reach a correct level.
- A maximum of 4-8 movements should be enough for the day.
- Always avoid moving the scraper backwards; always from the inside of the mouth to the outside. Otherwise, you would "smear" the residue on your tongue and you would be forced to repeat all the work.
Step 5. Rinse the tool after each pass
The scraper pushes the patina that is on the tongue and removes it from the tip with each pass. For this reason it is worth rinsing it after each movement.
You could also dip the scraper into a small bowl full of chlorhexidine mouthwash; the antibacterial substance will almost completely destroy all bacteria on the tool
Step 6. Clean the scraper after use
Rinse it under running tap water to remove residues and traces of saliva. Remember that you need to store it clean and dry in a drawer or medicine cabinet between uses.
Part 2 of 3: Choose a Tongue Scraper
Step 1. Evaluate the size of the language
If yours is large and large, "U" scrapers are the most efficient way to clean it. Children and adults with small tongues should choose "Y" shaped ones.
Step 2. Consider your nuisance tolerance level
If you are particularly susceptible to the gag reflex, you need to keep this in mind when choosing a tongue cleaning tool.
- Some individuals prefer a specific toothbrush that combines the same elements as a toothbrush and a tongue scraper. This is a narrower tool than the "U" models, but with a higher profile which can still be annoying.
- As a general rule, you can take into account how deep you can rest the toothbrush inside your mouth. If you find that this is a problem, then you should choose a "Y" scraper. This is a smaller model, with the sides folded to avoid triggering the gag reflex.
Step 3. Look for an efficient tool
If sensitivity is not a primary concern for you, then choose a scraper with more cleaning surfaces: this will make cleaning operations faster. These models can be "Y" shaped and typically come with two "blades"; however, there are also narrower scrapers, with four or five blades, which look more like a toothbrush.
Step 4. Evaluate the material
Typically tongue scrapers are made of stainless steel, copper or plastic. Metal models last longer and you can periodically disinfect them in boiling water. Plastic ones are cheaper and should be replaced every 3-4 months.
Part 3 of 3: Understanding the Usefulness of Tongue Curettage
Step 1. Think of this practice as part of your daily oral care routine
By itself, tongue scraping does not guarantee perfect cleaning of the mouth. However, it offers its benefits in combination with brushing and flossing.
- Bad breath is caused by bacteria acting on food residues in the mouth. These bacteria release volatile sulfur compounds responsible for the bad smell. By scraping the tongue, you remove food particles and bacteria that are on its surface and reduce the symptoms of bad breath by 75%, a good 30% more than just brushing your teeth.
- Patina on the tongue is a common symptom of smoking, dry mouth, and yeast infections. It is aesthetically unpleasant and contributes to bad breath. By scraping this coating, patients notice improved oral hygiene and comfort.
- Research indicates that this practice also reduces plaque buildup and the incidence of tooth decay by removing food particles from the mouth.
Step 2. Know that scraping can improve the sense of taste
Again, scientific research has shown that tongue cleaning exposes the taste buds and after two weeks of constant scraping patients experience an increase in taste sensation. These results are most evident when scraping becomes part of normal oral hygiene procedures.
Step 3. Evaluate the possible benefits of this procedure on the digestive tract
Ayurveda, the holistic medicine originating from ancient India, claims that the "toxic residues" formed by bacteria and dead cells that settle on the tongue have a negative effect on the digestive system.
