Tongue Scrapers: Description and Use
Description and Definition A tongue scraper, also called a tongue cleaner, is an oral hygiene device used to clean the surface of the tongue.
A tongue scraper is different from an ordinary toothbrush.
A toothbrush is designed with stiff bristles for cleaning the hard enamel surfaces of teeth, as opposed to the soft spongy tissue of the tongue.
Though a toothbrush can be used as a tongue cleaner, some feel that a stand-alone device specifically designed for the tongue works better.
Tongue scrapers are ergonomically shaped to fit the anatomy of the tongue, and are meant to gently lift the bacterial plaque and debris that accumulate on the tongue's surface.
The Problem The tongue, especially the back of the tongue, is a place where bacteria tend to grow densely, along with fungi (such as Candida sp.
), and it is a place where food debris, dead tissue cells from the tongue's surface, and dead bacteria tend to build up.
The materials that build-up on the tongue, especially the decaying bacteria, tend to break down into volatile sulfur compounds that are the source of most cases of halitosis.
The layers of built-up materials create anaerobic conditions that are ideal for halitosis-producing bacteria to thrive in.
Then surface of the tongue is also an excellent breeding ground for bacteria which spread to other areas of the mouth via saliva.
The Solution In recent years, dentists and hygienists have concluded that regular cleaning of the tongue with a tongue scraper can help remove the built-up material and anaerobic bacteria that lead to bad breath.
Clinicians say that the back of the tongue is where most of the malodorous bacteria may congregate, and the best way to clean this area is to use a dedicated tongue scraper that is ergonomically designed to reach this area.
In some cases, users may experience a gag reflex if they insert the device too far back in their throat.
The gag reflex can be countered by relaxing the tongue and throat muscles, and exhaling while cleaning the most far-back regions.
Users also need to avoid using a tongue scraper too aggressively, as this may damage the taste buds on the tongue's surface.
The cleaning effect can also be enhanced by using gels or foams designed to be used with a tongue scraper, which have antibacterial agents that aid in cleansing the tongue.
The Orabrush The Orabrush was designed and marketed by Dr.
Robert Wagstaff, a biochemist and nutritionist who was looking for a better way to clean the tongue.
The Orabrush has two parts, including bristles and a scraper.
The bristles are designed to be similar to those on a surgeon's scrub-brush used by doctors to clean bacteria from their hands and arms prior to engaging in surgery.
The ultra-soft bristles are designed to reach deep into the uneven crevices of the tongue's surface and loosen the bacteria and materials that cause bad breath.
The scraper then collects and removes the loosened bacteria from the tongue.
DenTek Comfort Clean The DenTek Comfort Clean tongue cleaner is another type of tongue scraper that has a narrow design that easily reaches the back of the tongue and which has three cleaning edges.
It is designed to reach the back of the tongue comfortably without imparting a large gag reflex.
It also has a flavor spot which imparts a fresh mint flavor to the tongue to help freshen breath and remove odors.
The way the DenTek works is the user places the tongue cleaner on the back of the tongue, pulling forward while skimming the surface of the tongue.
Afterward, rinse the tongue cleaner in warm water and repeat the step as many times as desired.
The three different edges on the DenTek help keep the tongue thoroughly clean and freshens bad breath.
Summary Tongue scrapers are tools recommended by dental professionals for cleaning the bacterial plaque and food debris from the surface of the tongue; especially the back reaches of the tongue where most cases of bad breath originate.
A dedicated tongue scraper that is ergonomically designed to fit the tongue can do a better job than brushing the tongue with an ordinary toothbrush; which is designed more for cleaning the teeth and gum surfaces.
A tongue scraper may make a good addition to a healthy personal oral hygiene program which includes daily tooth brushing and regular dental checkups.
A tongue scraper is different from an ordinary toothbrush.
A toothbrush is designed with stiff bristles for cleaning the hard enamel surfaces of teeth, as opposed to the soft spongy tissue of the tongue.
Though a toothbrush can be used as a tongue cleaner, some feel that a stand-alone device specifically designed for the tongue works better.
Tongue scrapers are ergonomically shaped to fit the anatomy of the tongue, and are meant to gently lift the bacterial plaque and debris that accumulate on the tongue's surface.
The Problem The tongue, especially the back of the tongue, is a place where bacteria tend to grow densely, along with fungi (such as Candida sp.
), and it is a place where food debris, dead tissue cells from the tongue's surface, and dead bacteria tend to build up.
The materials that build-up on the tongue, especially the decaying bacteria, tend to break down into volatile sulfur compounds that are the source of most cases of halitosis.
The layers of built-up materials create anaerobic conditions that are ideal for halitosis-producing bacteria to thrive in.
Then surface of the tongue is also an excellent breeding ground for bacteria which spread to other areas of the mouth via saliva.
The Solution In recent years, dentists and hygienists have concluded that regular cleaning of the tongue with a tongue scraper can help remove the built-up material and anaerobic bacteria that lead to bad breath.
Clinicians say that the back of the tongue is where most of the malodorous bacteria may congregate, and the best way to clean this area is to use a dedicated tongue scraper that is ergonomically designed to reach this area.
In some cases, users may experience a gag reflex if they insert the device too far back in their throat.
The gag reflex can be countered by relaxing the tongue and throat muscles, and exhaling while cleaning the most far-back regions.
Users also need to avoid using a tongue scraper too aggressively, as this may damage the taste buds on the tongue's surface.
The cleaning effect can also be enhanced by using gels or foams designed to be used with a tongue scraper, which have antibacterial agents that aid in cleansing the tongue.
The Orabrush The Orabrush was designed and marketed by Dr.
Robert Wagstaff, a biochemist and nutritionist who was looking for a better way to clean the tongue.
The Orabrush has two parts, including bristles and a scraper.
The bristles are designed to be similar to those on a surgeon's scrub-brush used by doctors to clean bacteria from their hands and arms prior to engaging in surgery.
The ultra-soft bristles are designed to reach deep into the uneven crevices of the tongue's surface and loosen the bacteria and materials that cause bad breath.
The scraper then collects and removes the loosened bacteria from the tongue.
DenTek Comfort Clean The DenTek Comfort Clean tongue cleaner is another type of tongue scraper that has a narrow design that easily reaches the back of the tongue and which has three cleaning edges.
It is designed to reach the back of the tongue comfortably without imparting a large gag reflex.
It also has a flavor spot which imparts a fresh mint flavor to the tongue to help freshen breath and remove odors.
The way the DenTek works is the user places the tongue cleaner on the back of the tongue, pulling forward while skimming the surface of the tongue.
Afterward, rinse the tongue cleaner in warm water and repeat the step as many times as desired.
The three different edges on the DenTek help keep the tongue thoroughly clean and freshens bad breath.
Summary Tongue scrapers are tools recommended by dental professionals for cleaning the bacterial plaque and food debris from the surface of the tongue; especially the back reaches of the tongue where most cases of bad breath originate.
A dedicated tongue scraper that is ergonomically designed to fit the tongue can do a better job than brushing the tongue with an ordinary toothbrush; which is designed more for cleaning the teeth and gum surfaces.
A tongue scraper may make a good addition to a healthy personal oral hygiene program which includes daily tooth brushing and regular dental checkups.
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