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Should I Be Using a Tongue Scraper? | Norton Shores MI Dentist

Dentist in Norton Shores, MI

49444 Dentist
49444 Dentist

In addition to brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing at least once, it is also important to take good care of your tongue. Bacteria can build up on your tongue throughout the day. For some patients, using a tongue scraper can be the best solution for a cleaner, healthier tongue. 

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 office, please contact us. We look forward to seeing you.

The Smile Center
Phone: 231-733-4409
3500 Park Street
Norton Shores, MI 49444

Visit our Norton Shores Office

Dentist in Norton Shores, MI

3500 Park St
Norton Shores, Michigan 49444

(231) 733-4409

Office Hours:
Monday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Tuesday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Wednesday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Thursday: 8:00AM – 2:00PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

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Dentist in Norton Shores, MI

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