Tongue scraping for bad breath
In more than half of the people with bad breath, attack on the tongue plays a role. Proper cleaning of this flexible organ is therefore important. But how do you actually do that? Tips to combat that dirty tongue attack.
A normal tongue is pinkish and may have a white, thin coating on the rough part, near the uvula. This is also known as tongue coating. Its thickness may vary. People with periodontal disease may have a thicker tongue coating than healthy people. Changes in the diet, reduced saliva production, use of medication or insufficient oral hygiene can also cause this deposit to discolour.
foetor ex ore
Bacteria live on the layer of proteins that make up the attack on the tongue. There are more than 500 different types of bacteria in tongue deposits, and only a few of them are responsible for the foul-smelling breath. As long as their numbers remain small, there is nothing to worry about. When the balance between these tongue microbes is disturbed, stench-producing bacteria take over and smell from your mouth. These bacteria, together with the bacteria between your gums, play an important role in the production of volatile sulfur compounds. It is those compounds that can cause bad breath, also known as halitosis or fetor ex ore.
Regular tongue scraping is useful
It has not been scientifically proven that removing the tongue coating prevents caries, gum or periodontal problems. But it is certain that regular cleaning is useful in case of bad breath. Tongue scraping doesn’t just remove the stench-producing bacteria; a new balance is also created in which the ‘good’ bacteria are given the opportunity to reduce the causes of bad breath. In addition, there are strong indications that daily cleaning of the tongue, in combination with good brushing, positively influences the taste experience of the elderly in particular.
Oral problems, medication use and tongue coating
Research shows that in 51 percent of people with bad breath, attack on the tongue is the cause. Gingivitis (an inflammation caused by plaque at the edge of the gums) causes problems with odor in 17 percent. In 15 percent of people, there are other periodontal causes, and in 17 percent, the foul-smelling mouth odor is a combination of these factors. In young people, bad breath is more often caused by tongue attack than in the elderly, in the latter group it is often a combination of mouth problems, use of medication and tongue coating.
tongue scraper
A tongue scraper or tongue cleaner is the most effective way to rid the tongue of deposits. Research shows that this works much better than just brushing the tongue with a toothbrush. Tongue scrapers are available at drugstores and pharmacies. In the case of halitosis, it is advisable to use such a scraper at least twice a day, but preferably once or three times. In addition, mouthwashes and good oral hygiene can help reduce mouth odor, as well as dietary changes.
How do you use a tongue scraper?
- Stick the tongue out of the mouth as far as possible.
- Place the tongue cleaner as far as possible towards the rear tongue area and apply force to the scraper so that the tongue is flattened.
- Tongue cleaning does not have to be hard, so use your strength in moderation. People who scrape too hard are at risk for tongue damage.
- Make sure the tongue cleaner makes good contact with the tongue. Many people are gagging right now; it is a matter of practice to position the tongue scraper in such a way that the gag reflex is reduced to a minimum.
- Slowly pull the tongue scraper forward into the mouth.
- Clean the cleaner under running water.
- Repeat this about four times.
- Once you’ve cleaned your tongue, brush your teeth and then rinse with a good mouthwash.
- Rinse the mouth well with water.
- Clean and dry the scraper well.
