Those who do their homework well know that brushing their teeth is a hygiene habit that must be repeated at least 3 times a day, always after each meal and that the procedure has to last no less than a minute. We could say that it is a lesson that most of us have already learned. And if we don't comply, at least we don't ignore it.

 

But about the correct cleaning of the tongue little or nothing is known. Maybe at some point we found that rough surface that some toothbrushes have, which supposedly serves to scrape the tongue and finish cleaning the mouth. But ... does anyone really use it?

 

It is not an aspect of cleanliness that is really taken into account, but it has many benefits if you add it to the daily care routine. At least that is what several studies suggest.

 

In principle, scraping the tongue is a quick way to remove different particles present in the mouth, including those that cause bad breath, that settle on the surface and may not go away completely when rinsing. It is made with a small, slightly rounded tool made of plastic or metal called a tongue scraper.

 

Although tooth brushing is irreplaceable and is the best mouth cleaning routine, this step can add some extra benefits. First, to fight bad breath for a longer time and secondly, remove that kind of white or gray cover on the tongue to return a pink color.

 

How is it done?

If you do not get a tongue scraper (an instrument similar to a rounded plastic spoon) you can use the same toothbrush, although they will not eliminate the same amount of bacteria as with the dental accessory.

 

1. In front of a mirror open to the mouth and stick out the tongue.

 

2. Gently place the rounded end of the tongue scraper on the back of the tongue.

 

3. Start cleaning from the middle of the tongue and go backwards slowly.

 

4. Pull the scraper forward toward the tip of the tongue. You should never push the scraper from the tip back.

 

5. After each scraping, use a wipe or tissue to remove debris deposited in the scraper.

 

6. Repeat until you have covered the entire surface of the tongue.

 

7. Wash the tongue scraper with soap and warm water, dry it and store it in a clean, dry area. The entire process usually takes less than two minutes.