Riley Dental Associates of Central Virginia
Phone: (434) 385-7707
Url:
3709 Old Forest Road
Lynchburg, VA 24501

Dentist in Lynchburg | Should I Be Using a Tongue Scraper

December 1, 2020

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 our Lynchburg dentist 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 at Riley Dental Associates of Central Virginia. We look forward to seeing you.

Riley Dental Associates of Central Virginia
Phone: (434) 385-7707
Url: https://rileydentalassociates.com/
3709 Old Forest Road
Lynchburg, VA 24501

CONTACT OUR
Lynchburg Dental Office

Lynchburg, VA Dentist

Riley Dental Associates, PC

3709 Old Forest Road
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 385-7707

Providing dental care for the communities of:

Appomattox | Lynchburg | Altavista | Amherst | Big Island | Brookneal | Coleman Falls | Concord | Evington | Forest | Gladys | Goode | Hurt | Long Island Lynch Station | Monroe | Naruna | Rustburg | Spout Spring | Sweet Briar

Convenient Office Hours:

Monday:   8am - 5pm
Tuesday:   8am - 5pm
Wednesday:   8am - 5pm
Thursday:   8am - 5pm
Friday:   7am - 3pm

View Our Office Tour
  • American Dental Association
  • Virginia Dental Association

SEE WHAT OUR
PATIENTS ARE SAYING

Lynchburg, VA Dentist

"Love my Dentist office. The receptionist is always so polite and informative. They greet you with a smile and make you feel so at ease. I love my hygenist, she is wonderful and so understanding and gentle. My dentist is truly the best!! I love his casualness and expertise. He doesn't make you feel as if you are just a patient, he makes you feel like family, and actually, so does the entire team at Riley Dental. I have been going to Riley Dentist since my children had their first check-ups and they love him as well."

Betty N.

"I am taking a teeth wellness journey after raising 4 kids and putting them first, me last. I also have had trauma seeing a dentist and so it was no easy feat to begin. The staff here are excellent and professional. Very calming, friendly and understanding. I appreciated the hygienist numbing my gums today for my cleaning. Last time I had this done I was in terrible pain. This time was pain free!! Big work ahead but these are the people I want to take care of me!"

Andrea B.

"I was new to the area and the courteous and professional staff at Riley were able to help me get plugged in right away. They also have knowledgeable staff about insurance policies and claims. This is definitely where I will be going now that I am in Lynchburg."

David B.

"The staff at this practice are amazing. I need a ton of work on my mouth, and I was embarrassed for anyone to look at it. I had my initial appointment yesterday and I was immediately at ease. There was no judgment for the condition of my mouth, and the staff was incredibly kind and caring. I'm very pleased with my decision to choose Riley Dental Associates!"

Ali D.

"My dentist retired just as I needed acute care for loose and painful tooth. Riley Dental Associates worked me in within a few days and treated me like I had been a patient for many years. Very friendly and professional staff. Would be hard to find a better dental practice."

Richard M.

"Riley Dental is amazing. I have been to a few other dental offices in the area and have always had issues with not being numb enough due to sensitive teeth. At Riley Dental I didn't feel a thing! Their staff is very nice and helpful and they will take the time to explain everything. Their process is quick and they have amazing attention to detail. Their office is nice and clean they have a nice waiting area. All my cleaning was covered by my insurance. I also felt like the number of pictures and x-rays they took was enough to show them everything they need. I would highly recommend going to Riley Dental!"

Kurt R.

READ OUR
DENTAL BLOG

Lynchburg, VA Dentist

Lynchburg Dentist - Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved - Riley Dental Associates, PC
Dental Dictionary | Dental Library | Town Resources | Sitemap | FAQ
3709 Old Forest Road
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 385-7707