Tongue Scraping + Its Impact on Oral Health
TLDRIn this episode of 'Ask the Dentist', Dr. B educates viewers on the importance of tongue scraping for overall health, addressing common concerns like bad breath and high blood pressure. He demonstrates how to incorporate tongue scraping into daily routines, recommends tools and techniques, and discusses the benefits of a healthy oral microbiome. Dr. B also emphasizes the significance of this practice in relation to other oral hygiene habits, suggesting it's more critical than tooth brushing.
Takeaways
- 😀 Dr. B emphasizes the importance of tongue scraping for overall health, including benefits like improved blood pressure and insulin resistance.
- 🌟 To build the habit of tongue scraping, Dr. B suggests using a Post-It note as a visual reminder, placed in a location like the bathroom mirror where the habit will be performed.
- 👅 The benefits of tongue scraping include improved taste buds sensitivity, which can lead to better enjoyment of food and potentially prevent overeating.
- 👶 Everyone, including children, should practice tongue scraping, and it can be a good first habit to teach children for oral hygiene.
- 📅 The best time to scrape your tongue is in the morning after waking up, and doing so before eating can help reset the oral microbiome.
- 🔄 Tongue scraping should be done once a day initially, but the frequency can be reduced to once to three times a week depending on individual needs.
- 🪥 Dr. B recommends using a tongue scraper with a serrated edge for more effective cleaning, and advises starting with the 'regular' or 'soft' settings depending on comfort.
- 🤢 Be aware of the gag reflex when tongue scraping, and start slow, possibly beginning at the tip of the tongue and gradually moving further back.
- 🚫 Avoid using a toothbrush for tongue scraping as it is not as effective; a proper tongue scraper is necessary for thorough cleaning.
- 💧 After tongue scraping, it's important to rinse the scraper and let it air dry to maintain hygiene.
- 🔗 Dr. B mentions that links to recommended tongue scrapers and other products are available in the show notes for those interested in purchasing them.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the 'Ask the Dentist' episode featuring Dr. B?
-The main topic of the episode is tongue scraping, its benefits, and how to properly incorporate it into one's daily oral hygiene routine.
Why is tongue scraping considered beneficial for overall health according to Dr. B?
-Tongue scraping is considered beneficial for overall health as it can help with issues such as high blood pressure, bad breath, insulin resistance, mood, taste buds sensitivity, and even erectile dysfunction due to the production of nitric oxide based on the oral microbiome.
What method does Dr. B recommend to create a new habit like tongue scraping?
-Dr. B recommends using a Post-It note as a visual reminder. Stick it on a bathroom mirror or another place where the habit will be performed to remind oneself to perform the habit regularly.
How does tongue scraping affect the oral microbiome?
-Tongue scraping thins and disrupts the biofilm on the tongue, allowing nutrients and oxygen from saliva to reach the oral microbiome, helping it to maintain a healthy balance and produce nitric oxide.
Who should practice tongue scraping according to the episode?
-Everyone with a tongue should practice tongue scraping, regardless of age, as it helps in maintaining a healthy oral microbiome and overall health.
What are the optimal times to scrape one's tongue as suggested in the episode?
-The optimal times to scrape one's tongue are first thing in the morning after waking up and before eating, as it helps to reset the oral microbiome and maintain a healthy oral environment.
What are some of the immediate benefits one might experience after starting tongue scraping?
-Immediate benefits of tongue scraping include feeling different and better, improved taste of food, better breath, and an overall improvement in mood and cravings for healthier foods.
How often should one scrape their tongue and why?
-One should initially scrape their tongue once a day, as it helps to clean the tongue and allow the oral microbiome to reset. Over time, the frequency may reduce to once to three times a week depending on individual factors such as diet and oral health.
What are the two types of tongue scrapers Dr. B discusses and what are their differences?
-Dr. B discusses a plastic tongue scraper with serrated edges for gentle or regular scraping and a stainless steel scraper that is more malleable and can be adjusted for different scraping intensities and areas of the tongue.
How should one deal with the gag reflex when tongue scraping?
-To deal with the gag reflex, one should start slowly, possibly beginning at the tip of the tongue and gradually working towards the back. If the gag reflex is triggered, stop, move forward a bit, and continue scraping that section.
What is the role of saliva in maintaining oral health while tongue scraping?
-Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health as it is a super-saturated solution of minerals, enzymes, and proteases that help the oral microbiome function properly. It also contains prebiotics that feed the microbiome and help stabilize the pH in the mouth.
Outlines
😀 Introduction to Tongue Scraping
Dr. B introduces a new episode of 'Ask the Dentist,' focusing on the practice of tongue scraping. He emphasizes the health benefits associated with it, such as improved blood pressure, reduced bad breath, and better insulin resistance. Dr. B suggests that viewers create a habit of tongue scraping and assures that the benefits are significant, including impacts on mood and eating habits. He also mentions erectile dysfunction and nitric oxide production as additional motivators for adopting this practice.
👶 Tongue Scraping for All Ages
The script explains that tongue scraping is recommended for everyone, regardless of age. It discusses the importance of reconditioning the oral microbiome, especially for those who may not have maintained a perfect diet throughout their lives. The benefits of tongue scraping are highlighted as universal, applicable to children as well, to promote a healthy oral environment. The paragraph also touches on the idea of teaching children to tongue scrape from an early age, emphasizing its importance over traditional brushing and flossing.
🌞 Optimal Times for Tongue Scraping
The paragraph delves into the best times to perform tongue scraping, suggesting that it should be done in the morning after waking up. It explains the physiological changes that occur during sleep, such as reduced saliva production, and how these can affect the mouth's pH balance. The importance of a wet tongue for easier and more comfortable scraping is highlighted, along with the benefits of drinking water to stabilize oral pH and support the oral microbiome.
🔄 The Process of Tongue Scraping
This section describes the physical act of tongue scraping, likening the tongue's surface to a field of mushrooms and emphasizing the need to disrupt the biofilm that forms on it. The paragraph explains that tongue scraping helps to thin the biofilm, allowing nutrients and saliva to reach the taste buds and maintain a healthy oral environment. It also discusses the difference between using a plastic scraper with serrations and a metal one, and the importance of adjusting the technique based on individual comfort and needs.
🚫 Addressing Gag Reflex During Tongue Scraping
The script addresses common concerns about gagging during tongue scraping, especially for those who have difficulty breathing through their nose or have a tongue tie. It offers practical advice on starting slow and beginning at the tip of the tongue to gradually get used to the process. The importance of not forcing the scraper too far back on the tongue to avoid gagging is emphasized, along with tips on how to adjust the technique to prevent discomfort.
🗓️ Tongue Scraping Frequency and Technique
The paragraph discusses the frequency of tongue scraping, suggesting that once a day is sufficient, but it may eventually decrease to a few times a week depending on individual factors. It provides guidance on how to determine when to scrape by observing the presence of a beige fluid on the scraper. The importance of not overdoing tongue scraping to avoid irritation is highlighted, along with tips on using different types of scrapers for varying levels of intensity.
📝 Final Thoughts on Tongue Scraping
In the concluding paragraph, Dr. B summarizes the importance of tongue scraping, emphasizing its role in oral hygiene and overall health. He encourages viewers to integrate tongue scraping into their daily routine and to consult with their dentist for further guidance. The paragraph also mentions upcoming topics for future episodes, such as the Slate laser and a fluoride lawsuit, indicating the wide range of oral health issues that will be discussed.
🌐 Resources for Tongue Scraping and Oral Health
The final paragraph provides resources for those interested in tongue scraping and maintaining oral health. It mentions a directory for finding a dentist who can discuss tongue scraping and perform oral microbiome tests. The importance of having a knowledgeable dentist to support one's oral health journey is underscored, along with an invitation to engage with the 'Ask the Dentist' platform for more information.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Tongue Scraping
💡Oral Microbiome
💡Nitric Oxide
💡Bad Breath
💡Habits Formation
💡Dental Health
💡Gag Reflex
💡Tongue Scraper
💡Oral Hygiene
💡Health Benefits
💡Bacteriostatic
Highlights
Introduction to the concept of tongue scraping and its various health benefits.
The connection between tongue scraping and improvements in blood pressure, bad breath, insulin resistance, and erectile dysfunction.
The motivational aspect of tongue scraping for better overall health and well-being.
Creating a new habit of tongue scraping using a Post-It note as a reminder.
The importance of tongue scraping for enhancing taste buds and preventing overeating.
The recommendation for everyone, regardless of age, to incorporate tongue scraping into their oral hygiene routine.
The potential for tongue scraping to recondition the oral microbiome and undo damage from a less-than-perfect diet.
The significance of teaching children tongue scraping as part of their oral hygiene from an early age.
Different theories on the optimal time to scrape the tongue and the importance of forming the habit first.
The benefits of tongue scraping in the morning to start the day with a fresh oral environment.
The explanation of how tongue scraping works to thin the biofilm and allow saliva to nourish the oral microbiome.
The recommendation for the frequency of tongue scraping, starting with once a day and adjusting based on individual needs.
Different types of tongue scrapers discussed, including plastic and stainless steel options.
Advice on how to handle gagging while tongue scraping and tips for those who are prone to it.
The demonstration of proper tongue scraping technique using a stainless steel scraper.
The suggestion to use tongue scraping as a standalone activity, separate from brushing and flossing.
The importance of cleaning and drying the tongue scraper properly after use.
The potential impact of tongue scraping on oral health and how it ranks among other oral hygiene practices.
Transcripts
Browse More Related Video
Mouthwash: Stop Using It!
10 Ways to Stop Bad Breath and Get Rid of Mouth Bacteria
Home Remedies for Mouth Odor | Dr. Hansaji Yogendra
Why You Should NEVER Skip Brushing Your Teeth Before Bed!
Top 5 CAUSES of BAD BREATH | How to Prevent it!
Oral Bacteria And Your Health - with Dr. Mark Burhenne | The Empowering Neurologist EP. 162
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)
Thanks for rating: