How to Use a Tongue Scraper

Tongue scrapers help clear away all the bacteria and germs that gather on your tongue. A healthy tongue has a rosy pink color, while an unhealthy tongue is dull or has a white film. A tooth brush helps clean some of the tongue, but also might distribute bacteria from the teeth to the tongue. Use a tongue scraper once a day to help fight bad breath and bacteria.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Brush your teeth before you scrape your tongue. Make sure you also brush behind your teeth to reduce the spread of bacteria from your teeth to your tongue.

2. Practice the motions of tongue scraping using a plastic spoon. Turn the spoon upside down and reach as far back as possible, scraping the spoon along the surface of your tongue.

3. Pick the style of tongue scraper you want, based on the size of your mouth and the size of the tongue scraper. Tongue scrapers come shaped like a little rake or an arch.

4. Grab the tongue scraper on both sides for an arched scraper or by the handle for a rake scraper. Reach as far back as possible in your mouth and scrape from back to front with firm pressure.

5. Rinse the tongue scraper between each scrape. Make sure you wash off all the bacteria and saliva that's collected on the scraper. You should scrape your tongue at least two to three times per cleaning.

6. Wash your mouth out with a bacteria-killing mouthwash after scraping your tongue.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a good bit of pressure when using a tongue scraper, but do not press so hard that you cut your tongue.

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[uktena]

on 6/9/2009 You missed an important part by failing to mention that while reaching far back on your tongue that it is important to spread the outer ends of the scraper against the edges of your mouth; this will prevent gagging. Also, it is best to chose a tongue scraper by your dosha, or mind/body type. Choosing stainless steel for Vata; silver for Pita and copper for Kapha