Maintaining good oral hygiene is of prime importance. It has a direct effect on your health, which is why experts have been stressing it for ages. While the daily task of brushing and flossing is taken seriously, your humble tongue is often overlooked.
But, it is the tongue that houses your taste buds. Not cleaning it can affect your sense of taste. Additionally, it can lead to bad breath, which you can surely do without. Thus, you need to scrape your tongue regularly with a metal tongue scraper. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what metal tongue scrapers are, their benefits, and a step-by-step usage guide to give complete guidance on oral hygiene. So, let’s get started!
What Is A Metal Tongue Scraper?
A metal tongue scraper is a tool that is used to remove bacteria and other debris that settles on your tongue. It is a thin, U-shaped wire made from metals like stainless steel or copper. These are long-lasting and durable tools that can help in enhancing your oral hygiene.
Unveiling The Benefits Of Using A Metal Tongue Scraper
Bacteria, food debris and dead cells accumulate on your tongue’s surface. If left unchecked, these can cause bad breath. An unclean tongue can also be a reason for many health issues. Here are some of the benefits of using a metal tongue scraper to clean your tongue.
- Eliminates Bacteria
Brushing and rinsing your mouth cleans the bacteria settled on the outer surface of the tongue. However, any bacteria which lies beneath is not eliminated. Hence, it grows and multiplies, causing bad breath and tooth decay. Using a metal tongue scraper can help in scraping off up to 70% of bacteria.
- No More Scaly Tongue
Have you noticed white deposits and scales on your tongue? Well, this is the food debris that settles on your tongue, giving it a very unclean look. A metal tongue scraper can help get rid of this layer and reveal the clean surface underneath.
- Improved Digestion
You are well aware that the process of digestion starts in the mouth. The saliva contains certain enzymes that mix with the food and break it down into easily digestible elements. Scraping your tongue regularly can help in better and faster activation of these enzymes, thereby improving digestion.
Using A Metal Tongue Scraper Efficiently: A Step-By-Step Guide
Scraping your tongue can be very beneficial for your overall health. However, you also need to use a metal tongue scraper correctly for efficient cleaning. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1 – Prepping your Tongue Scraper
Before using your metal tongue scraper, rinse it properly with water. This will ensure that it is clean of any dust particles that may have settled on it.
Step 2 – Get into the Stance
Take your position in front of a mirror. If you are sitting down for this, tilt your head backwards. This gives you better visibility and improves the way you can control your scraper.
Step 3 – Stick Out Your Tongue
Extend your tongue up to a point that is comfortable for you. In order to avoid gagging, keep your tongue muscles relaxed.
Step 4 – Start Scraping
Get a firm grip on your metal tongue scraper. It is advisable to hold it with both hands. This gives it a better reach and enhances the cleaning process. Place the middle part scraper at the back of your tongue and glide it forward gently. You should apply a little pressure. Too much pressure can cause discomfort and injury, and if there is too little, the cleaning will be inefficient.
Step 5 – Rinse and Repeat
The debris that is collected on the tongue scraper should be rinsed off under running water. Repeat this step a few times on the entire surface of your tongue. The repetition should depend on the amount of debris present on the tongue as well as your comfort level.
Step 6 – Clean the Scraper
Once you are satisfied with the tongue scraping result, you should clean your metal tongue scraper thoroughly in hot water. You can also use a mild soap if need be. Every once in a while, sterilise it by putting it in an antiseptic solution or boiling water. Wipe it with a clean towel and let it air dry before storing it.
Step 7 – Follow your Oral Hygiene Routine
Continue with the remaining part of your oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss your teeth. Follow it up by rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash. This helps in keeping your mouth clean and maintaining fresh breath.
Conclusion
While scraping your tongue with a metal tongue scraper can improve your oral health, it cannot be a substitute for brushing your teeth twice a day and regular flossing. However, it is an essential oral care tool that you should add to your dental hygiene kit. Look for a metal tongue scraper that is made of high-quality stainless steel, as these will be durable and will not rust. So go ahead and take charge of your complete oral health.
