Halitosis Extreme Version

On Thursday I went to have my teeth cleaned.  I've been going there for 20+ years.   I was commiserating about feeling like I have bad breath more frequently as I am aging.  The hygenist asked if I had ever used a tongue scraper.  No! I hadn't.  She said I have just the thing!  A lot of people have never been told about tongue scrapers—it’s one of those best-kept secrets of dental hygiene.

Apparently, the tongue’s surface has tiny bumps (papillae) that trap:

    Bacteria

    Food debris
    Dead cells

Over time, this buildup can cause:

    Halitosis (bad breath)
    A white or yellowish coating
    Altered taste perception

Using a tongue scraper helps remove that nasty bacteria and debris.  Some studies show tongue scraping removes significantly more volatile sulfur compounds (the smelly stuff) than just brushing your tongue with a toothbrush.

First, you have to choose a scraper.  Stainless steel and copper scrapers are most durable.  But plastic ones work fine too and are often gentler.  The dentist's office provided a plastic one by G.U.M.  The least expensive option to start.  If I keep it up, I'll reward myself with a stainless steel version.

It is easy to use ... stand in front of a mirror and stick your tongue out as far as comfortable.  Place curved edge of the scraper at the back of tongue, as far back as you can without gagging.  (After doing this for a while, the gag reflex should lessen).  If you have a sensitive gag reflex, start slowly and don’t go too far back.

Scrape forward by gently pulling the scraper from the back of you mouth toward the tip of your tongue in one smooth motion.  No need to press too hard—light pressure is enough.

Rinse and Repeat. Use once or twice daily, ideally before brushing your teeth.  Rinse the scraper under running water.  Repeat the scraping motion 2–4 times until your tongue feels clean.  Then brush and finish by rinsing your mouth with water and/or mouthwash.

Clean the scraper ... wash it thoroughly and let it dry.  AI suggests soap and water and I also dip mine in Hydrogen Peroxide to kill any bad bugs that might be hiding.  We are supposed to replace plastic scrapers every few months (or sooner if they get rough edge).

My hygienist gave me a great tip. After a cleaning, your mouth is already feeling fresh, and starting tongue scraping now helps you keep that clean feeling much longer.

I'll update in a few months.  So far, I love it!