Time to Smile Again!

Our office is here to provide professional help for all our patients. Come meet our dentist and learn more about our dental care in Flagstaff, Arizona!

Request Appointment Contact Us

Should I Be Using a Tongue Scraper? | Flagstaff AZ Dentist

Flagstaff, AZ Dentist

Flagstaff AZ Dentist
Flagstaff AZ Dentist

In addition to brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing at least once, it is also important to take good care of your tongue. Bacteria can build up on your tongue throughout the day. For some patients, using a tongue scraper can be the best solution for a cleaner, healthier tongue. 

Should You Be Using One? 

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) found scraping your tongue results in a noticeable decrease in the sulfur compounds which can lead to bad breath. According to a study in the Journal of Periodontology, tongue scrapers reduced these compounds by 75%, while using a standard toothbrush only reduced 45% of sulfur compounds. Choose a method that works best for your mouth, but make sure you are taking care of your tongue. 

What Do They Do? 

While they may help alleviate bad breath, scraper’s main function is to clean off debris and bacteria from your tongue. Your toothbrush is designed to effectively clean teeth, but the surface of your tongue is very different from that of your teeth. A tongue scraper may provide a more thorough cleaning for your tongue. 

How Do I Use One? 

Start by washing out your mouth. When you are ready, clean your tongue, place the scraper in the back of your mouth, and gently pull it forward. Make sure you are scraping all areas of your tongue, but do not push so far back that you gag. You will want to rinse your mouth after you are done. Be sure to clean the scraper when you are finished. 

While you might not be used to cleaning your tongue, it can be an effective solution for bad breath and bacteria caused by food. At your next appointment, ask about other ways of keeping your tongue clean and your mouth healthy. Keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing is crucial to maintaining your oral health and preventing unhealthy bacteria. 

For more tips on a healthy mouth or to schedule your next visit to our office, please contact us. We look forward to seeing you.

Hobson Dental Group
Phone: (928) 779-0331
3100 N. West St., Ste 100
Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Location

Flagstaff, AZ Dentist

Hobson Dental Group, PLLC
3100 N. West St., Suite 100
Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Office Hours

Monday:8AM – 5PM
Tuesday:8AM – 5PM
Wednesday:8AM – 5PM
Thursday:8AM – 2PM
First Friday of the Month*:8AM – 12PM
Saturday:Closed

*Some exceptions
may apply

Change your Smile Today

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU CONTACT US TODAY

Flagstaff, AZ Dentist

Plan your next appointment with us today to recieve high-quality care from our dentist. Let our team lend you a hand and get you a great smile!

3100 N. WEST ST., SUITE 100, FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86004

928-779-0331