Bad Mouth Smell, Try Tongue Scrape

Many things people do to eliminate bad breath, one of them with tongue scrapings. From the medical side, tongue scrapings are proven effective in helping to eliminate bad breath by cleaning germs that stick to the tongue. According to research, the condition of bad breath or halitosis, almost 90 percent is caused by bacteria derived from food scraps and protein in saliva. The tongue is one of the many locations inhabited by these bacteria.

Clean the Surface of the Tongue

Tongue scraping is intended to clean the accumulation of bacteria, fungi, dead cells, and food debris on the surface of the tongue. This hoarding can be caused by fungal infections, dry mouth, smoking, the use of certain drugs, and lack of fluid intake, especially if oral and dental hygiene are poorly maintained. Bacteria and fungi that normally grow around the tongue are also often associated with problems in the mouth and overall body health. One of them is the problem of bad breath or halitosis. Research on the effectiveness of tongue scrapings is still limited. However, one recent study shows, tongue scrapings can help temporarily overcome bad breath. There is not enough evidence that scraping the tongue helps chronic bad breath. Two other studies compare effectiveness in dealing with bad breath between using tongue scrapings and using a toothbrush to clean the tongue. The result, tongue scraping has a slightly higher effectiveness in controlling bad breath in adults, but is only effective in a relatively short time.

Choose As Needed

Many clean the tongue with a toothbrush. However, if it is intended to help overcome bad breath, cleaning the tongue with a toothbrush is considered less effective. Because the design of different toothbrushes with tongue scrapings. Toothbrushes are designed to clean teeth with hard surfaces, while a soft tongue texture requires different tools. Now tongue scrapings can easily be found in various shapes and sizes. Then, how to choose the right tongue scrapings? Choose ergonomic tongue scrapings that are formed according to the anatomy of the tongue, so that it can lift the plaque layer while cleaning the surface of the tongue. In addition, consider also the shape of the tongue scrapings. Choose the shape and size according to your tongue, and comfortable when held. If necessary, use tongue scrapings with a special gel that functions as an antibacterial for optimal cleaning. How to use tongue scrapings is very easy. Place the tool up to the back of the tongue, then pull it to the front end of the tongue. Repeat several times until you feel the tongue feels clean. In addition to cleaning the surface of the tongue, to overcome and avoid bad breath must also be accompanied by efforts to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, rinse your mouth with mouthwash, use dental floss if necessary, and drink enough water to prevent dry mouth. Then, check your teeth to the dentist regularly. Cleaning your teeth with tongue scrapings has the possibility of helping to overcome bad breath. However, if bad breath continues, consult the complaint with your doctor or dentist to get the right treatment.