Defeat Bad Breath with a Tongue Scraper

A tongue scraper, also called an oral scraper, is a metal or plastic tool used to clean your tongue. Tongue scrapers help remove odor-causing bacteria that collect on the tongue. Bacteria that live on the taste buds or tongue can cause bad breath.

Why Use A Tongue Scraper?

Tongue scrapers are inexpensive and disposable, making them a convenient tool for fighting bad breath. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a tongue scraper after every meal. Doing so removes bacteria, food debris, and dead cells from your tongue, helping to reduce odors.

What Causes Bad Breath?

There are a number of reasons why you might have bad breath, ranging from poor oral hygiene to certain types of medication.

The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. This often results from not brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, which allows bacteria to build up in the mouth. This bacteria causes bad breath.

Other causes of bad breath include:

• Dry mouth
• Gum disease
• Smoking
• Certain types of medication
• Having a sinus infection

The tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria. When you don’t clean your tongue, you leave this bacteria in your mouth. When you breathe, the bacteria are released and mixed with the air you breathe. This bacteria is what causes bad breath.

A tongue scraper is a dental device used to remove bacteria from the tongue. The scraper is usually made of a soft material, such as plastic or rubber, that gently removes bacteria from the tongue. It’s commonly used by people who suffer from bad breath. 

How To Battle Bad Breath Using A Tongue Scraper?

One of the top causes of bad breath is a coated tongue. Stained tongues are often breeding grounds for bacteria. These bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that smell like rotten eggs.

A tongue scraper is a simple tool you can use to scrape your tongue. This will help remove bacteria, food particles, and other debris from the tongue. Tongue scrapers can remove more bacteria than a toothbrush, so they’re an excellent way to reduce bad breath.

How Often Should I Use a Tongue Scraper?

While using a tongue scraper after every meal is best, at least once in the morning after waking up and in the evening before bed can really help keep bad breath at bay.

What Else Can I Do to Prevent Bad Breath?

In addition to using a tongue scraper, there are other ways to prevent bad breath. Brushing your teeth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day will go a long way toward preventing bad breath. You should also be sure to see your dentist in Livermore, CA for regular checkups and teeth cleanings.

Alta Vista Dental provides all the dental services with the expertise of experienced dentists. Call at 925-292-1459 and book your appointment with our dentist in Livermore, CA, to receive a complete oral checkup.