Using a tongue scraper is believed to remove bacteria from the tongue, reduce bad breath, and boost the immune system. However, scientific evidence on its effectiveness remains limited, and it is essential to maintain good overall oral hygiene.
- Popularized by social networks, the use of tongue scrapers can reduce bad breath.
- There are no studies to confirm the effects of this practice and the presence of bacteria in the mouth is an important element of oral health.
- Using a tongue scraper should not prevent regular brushing of teeth to combat cavities and gum disease.
Tongue scraping is a technique popularized by social media that is said to reduce bad breath by removing bacteria from the tongue. Some people believe that it can be a miracle solution for fresh breath in no time. However, studies on this practice show that it actually has no significant impact on the amount of bacteria present in the mouth. It is important to dispel this myth and understand that bad breath can have a variety of causes, including poor oral hygiene, gastrointestinal issues, or oral infections.
The importance of the oral microbiome
Having bacteria in your mouth is a completely normal phenomenon, this is called the oral microbiome. This microbiome is a complex ecosystem that plays an important role in overall oral health. In fact, some bacteria in the mouth are beneficial and help fight infections, while others can cause problems such as cavities or gum disease. Therefore, the goal is not to eliminate all bacteria from the mouth, but rather to maintain a healthy balance in the oral microbiome.
Moderate use of the tongue scraper
Using a tongue scraper can at best prevent the reabsorption of certain toxins into the body by removing food debris and bacterial deposits from the tongue. However, it is important not to scrape your tongue excessively, as this can disrupt the natural balance of the oral microbiome. Experts therefore recommend scraping your tongue once or twice a day for 10 to 30 seconds, taking care not to irritate the tongue. It is also essential to complement this practice with regular tooth brushing, which remains the best protection against cavities and gum disease.
Questionable effectiveness
While using a tongue scraper can help combat bad breath by removing bacteria from the tongue, its effectiveness in boosting the immune system remains questionable. It is therefore essential to maintain complete oral hygiene by combining regular tooth brushing with moderate use of the tongue scraper. Thus, by understanding the importance of the oral microbiome and adopting appropriate hygiene practices, it is possible to maintain optimal oral health.
