You even change out your toothbrush every three months.
But somehow, youstillseem to always havebad breath.
If you want to go that extra mile for your mouth, you may consider using a tongue scraper.
Why scrape the tongue?
This scraping motion can help keep bad bacteria that cause stinky breath at bay, he says.
But thats not all.
chair of oral biology at theUniversity at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Using a tongue scraper may also improve your sense of taste, according to theCleveland Clinic.
Ready to start scraping?
Keep in mind:Your tongue scraper shouldnevertake the place of brushing and flossing.
Scraping only reducessomebacteria on your tongue.
That means you still need to brush to physically remove the plaque and food from your teeth.
Want to tongue scrape like a pro?
But whether you scrape before or after you brush is a matter of preference.
I dont think it would make a big difference one way or another, Dr. Scannapieco says.
You may also accidentally scratch your tongue with improper scraping methods (ouch).
chair of oral biology at theUniversity at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
As a general rule, less (pressure) is more.
If [tongue scraping] is uncomfortable, you are probably using too much force, Dr. Scannapieco says.
Starting too far back on your tongue
This can trigger your gag reflex, Dr. Scannapieco says.
In other words, youll just be adding more microbes to your mouth with each use.
Though it wont sterilize the gear, he adds.
In fact, incorporating a tongue scraper into your daily routine may help fresh breath.
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