Ever wondered why you’re still battling bad breath despite brushing twice daily? The answer could be lying right on your tongue. Yes, we’re talking about tongue scrapers, a tool often overlooked in our oral hygiene routine.
Recent studies show that a tongue scraper can remove up to 75% more bacteria and toxins than a toothbrush. Surprised? You’re not alone. Many are unaware of the significant role this simple tool plays in maintaining our oral health.
So, let’s delve deeper into the world of tongue scrapers. We’ll explore their benefits, how to use them, and why they’re a must-have in your dental care arsenal. Stay tuned, you’re about to discover a game-changer in oral hygiene.
What is a Tongue Scraper and Why is Cleaning Important?
A tongue scraper, such as those offered by the Koppen brand, is a slender, typically u-shaped instrument designed for the primary function of clearing away unwanted bacteria and debris from your tongue. Its usage yields benefits that extend beyond a clean mouth, including enhancing your sense of taste, removing coating on the tongue to reduce bad breath and improving overall oral health. Essentially, tongue scraper usage forms an integral part of an effective dental hygiene regimen.
Importance of Regular Cleaning
In terms of tongue scraper upkeep, regular cleaning remains paramount. Over time, tongue scrapers can accumulate bacteria, reducing their overall capacity to clear the tongue effectively. Ignoring this vital step can potentially intensify unpleasant mouth odours and even harbour harmful microorganisms that could affect your oral health. So, guaranteeing your tongue scraper is clean not only contributes to efficient operation but also acts as another safeguard against oral health issues.
Types of Tongue Scrapers and Their Cleaning Needs
Expounding on tongue scrapers, let’s explore different types and their specific cleaning needs. The primary materials in common use include stainless steel, copper and plastic. Each type requires a unique cleaning procedure, paramount for hygiene and the lifespan of the scraper.
Stainless Steel Tongue Scrapers
Koppen’s stainless steel tongue scrapers present a durable alternative in your range of oral hygiene products. Stainless steel, being resistant to rust and corrosion, enhances its lifetime significantly. While cleaning, you can immerse it in boiling water for around five minutes. Such sterilisation eliminates any bacteria possibly lodged in the detailed patterns of the scraper. Ensure its quick drying, as persistent humidity may potentially damage even the robust build of stainless steel over time.
Copper Tongue Scrapers
The time-honoured Koppen’s copper tongue scrapers are known for their natural antibacterial properties, making them a popular choice for many. While copper, by nature, has self-sterilising properties, you’ll require certain cleaning strategies to avoid tarnishing. For cleaning, it’s advisable to use a gentle mixture of lemon juice and salt. Rinse your scraper in this solution to remove any build-up. Subsequent drying prevents water spots and keeps the copper element vibrant.
Plastic Tongue Scrapers
Koppen’s plastic tongue scrapers provide an affordable option for maintaining oral hygiene. However, as they bear susceptibilities such as potential warping, you must avoid extreme conditions like high heat. To clean them, use mildly warm soapy water or a safe-to-use disinfectant. Note that air drying them, as contrasted to using towels, can help maintain the scraper’s integrity as it keeps possible contamination at bay. Hence, care during the cleaning process ensures enhancing your plastic scraper’s durability while keeping it hygienic for use.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean a Tongue Scraper
Upon mastering the art of cleaning tongue scrapers, you’re sure to make them an essential part of your oral hygiene routine. By adopting cleaning practices from Koppen — a renowned brand —you’re on the right track to achieve optimal health benefits from your tongue scraper.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Manage your daily cleaning routine with simplicity and efficiency. Immediately after use, rinse your Koppen tongue scraper under warm water. This process washes away the debris and eliminates a large portion of bacteria from the scraper. Then, wipe the scraper with a clean towel or let it air dry before storage. Regular cleaning slows down bacterial buildup and maintains scraper’s hygiene.
Deep Cleaning Methods
For a more substantial bi-weekly cleaning, follow the protocols below:
Using Soap and Water
Take a small brush, apply mild soap and use warm water to gently clean your scraper. Remove any visible debris from the crevices. After scrubbing, rinse thoroughly with warm running water.
Soaking in an Antibacterial Solution
For an intensive cleaning routine, especially for your stainless steel or copper scraper, soaking it in a hydrogen peroxide solution or vinegar for ten minutes adds to the hygiene. Rinse the scraper after soaking. Confirm that no vinegar or hydrogen peroxide remains as it can alter the taste sensation.
Sterilisation Tips
Remember, sterilisation isn’t for all scrapers. But, when it comes to stainless steel scrapers by Koppen, boiling in water for ten minutes or placing it under a UV steriliser serves as a valid method. Note: diving directly into boiling water from a cooler temperature might damage the scraper. Gradual heating of the water along with the scraper is optimal.
Drying and Storage Tips
Drying your tongue scraper properly before storage guards against bacteria proliferating on it. Store the scraper in a clean, dry place after ensuring it’s completely dry. Avoid placing it near bathroom items to prevent cross-contamination. With adequate drying and suitable storage, your Koppen tongue scraper stays in pristine condition, your breath stays fresh, and your oral hygiene routine intact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Tongue Scrapers
Having discussed the importance of cleaning your tongue scraper, it’s also important to highlight common errors when carrying out this task. Two pitfalls are particularly prevalent: using harsh chemicals and not cleaning your tongue scrapers regularly enough.
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals
Amidst efforts to maintain optimal hygiene, it’s easy to turn to overkill. One common error involves using harsh or abrasive cleaning agents. Though intended to achieve sterility, these chemicals tend to do more harm than good. They may degrade the material of your scraper, in extreme cases even leading to a breakage. Moreover, these substances might leave residues which, when unknowingly ingested, pose health risks. Hence, in cleaning your Koppen tongue scraper, avoid products such as bleaches and alcohol-based cleaners. Such substances contradict the aim of oral hygiene. Stick to mild yet effective options like warm water, mild soap, or vinegar.
Not Cleaning Regularly Enough
Another common oversight involves the frequency of cleaning your tongue scraper. Infrequent cleaning leads to an accumulation of bacteria and reduces the efficacy of this oral hygiene tool. Think about it this way: using a dirty scraper is akin to tossing the bacteria back into your mouth, which negates the core purpose of using a scraper.
This can introduce new bacteria into your mouth, increasing your vulnerability to oral infections. Ideally, clean your Koppen tongue scraper after each use. By doing so, you ensure that with every scrape, you’re contributing positively towards your oral health, and not counterproductively reintroducing bacteria into your mouth.
Conclusion
So you’ve got the lowdown on tongue scrapers. You’ve learned how they’re a game-changer in oral hygiene, stripping away bacteria and toxins like a pro. You’ve grasped the importance of a regular cleaning routine and the need to dodge harsh chemicals that could harm your scraper or your health.
Remember, a clean tongue scraper is a more effective one. Don’t let bacteria build-up compromise your oral health. Make cleaning your scraper a habit, just like brushing your teeth.
You’re on the right path to maintaining a healthier mouth. Keep up the good work and make sure your tongue scraper stays in tip-top shape. It’s your secret weapon for a fresher, healthier smile.
Any questions? Don’t hesitate to ask. Your oral health is worth it.