Davids blog
how often should you scrape your tongue? our favorite routine explained
Tongue scraping is taking the world by storm, and it’s about time. This ancient practice can bring so many amazing benefits to your oral care routine, but it can be hard to know exactly how to incorporate it.Should you use your tongue scraper in the morning and at night? Should you use it before or after brushing? Where does mouthwash fit into the routine?Don’t worry, we’re covering all of these questions. quick refresh: the benefits of tongue scraping Before we dive into the step-by-step breakdown of the ideal tongue scraping routine, let’s do a little recap on the benefits of tongue scraping. If it’s something you’re going to do every day, you should at least know why it’s so great for you, right?Some of the amazing benefits of tongue scraping include: that *clean* feeling: you know that feeling when your mouth is really, truly clean? To us, that feeling is unbeatable. And without a tongue scraper, it’s almost impossible (just keep reading to see all the reasons why). removal of bacteria, toxins, and debris: the grooved, cushy surface of your tongue is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, toxins, and debris. By scraping daily, you’re starting (and/or ending) the day with a fresh clean slate. fresher breath + improved taste: by removing the bacteria and mucosal film that sits on your tongue, tongue scraping can directly freshen your breath and improve your sense of taste. better digestion and gut health: not only does tongue scraping reduce the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth (which affects the very important bacterial balance in your gut), but research suggests that it can also directly help your digestion. By improving your sense of taste, you can experience higher satisfaction during meals, allowing your body to listen to hunger cues and improve digestion. organ stimulation: ancient Ayurveda states that different areas of your tongue are connected to your vital organs. Massaging each of these areas through tongue scraping can stimulate and nurture these organs, including your heart, kidney, stomach, liver, and lungs. increased health awareness: your tongue has a lot to tell you. In general, your tongue should be even in color (a rich pink), smooth in texture, and free of grooves. If your tongue doesn’t look this way, check out our previous article which outlines certain health issues that can appear on your tongue. All of these benefits can improve your oral and overall health, reduce your risk of tooth decay, prevent gum disease, relieve tooth sensitivity, and beyond. the ideal tongue scraping routine First off, we want to warn you to avoid drinking water first thing in the morning (before your oral care routine). This is because when you wake up, your mouth is full of bacteria and pathogens. While it can be tempting to immediately quench your thirst, we don’t want you swallowing all of those harmful bacteria and introducing them to your gut microbiome.Now, let’s get into the routine. floss: we recommend Cocofloss, our favorite eco-friendly floss. brush with Davids Premium Toothpaste: all of our toothpaste formulas are made with intentional ingredients that reduce the load of harmful bacteria in your mouth, while whitening your teeth, freshening your breath, and nourishing your oral microbiome. scrape your tongue: we recommend tongue scraping after you brush, so your tongue is already coated in the amazing ingredients of our premium toothpaste. The residue of the toothpaste will linger on your tongue, and tongue scraping allows the ingredients to penetrate deeper into the tissue to effectively fight bad bacteria. (optional) oil pull: if you want to, start your day with some herbal oil pulling to extract bacteria from your teeth and give your body a healthy dose of nourishing Ayurvedic herbs. Swish the oil around in your mouth for anywhere from 5-15 minutes while keeping your mouth closed. Once you’re done, rinse with warm water. (optional) use a natural mouthwash: natural mouthwash is another amazing tool to help you feel super fresh at the end of your oral care routine. Unlike conventional mouthwashes that burn your mouth and completely wipe out the good bacteria in your oral microbiome, natural mouthwash works to balance bacteria and remineralize your teeth with hydroxyapatite supplementation. Now that we’ve covered the perfect tongue scraping routine, let’s discuss how often you should scrape your tongue....and what really sets the Davids tongue scraper apart from the rest. how often should you scrape your tongue? You’ll see some mixed answers to this question, so here’s the general rule of thumb we like to recommend. You should use your tongue scraper at least once per day, towards the end of your oral care routine (as explained above).Twice per day is ideal because the bacteria load in your mouth is highest at the end of the day and after a long night’s sleep. However, if you find that tongue scraping every morning and night is leaving your tongue feeling dry and/or sore, you can reduce it to once per day. Also, be sure that you’re not pressing too hard on your tongue. Tongue scraping should be a gentle, nurturing act that sweeps away the day’s (or night’s) impurities, and it shouldn’t be causing any lingering discomfort. why is Davids the best tongue scraper? Now that we’ve covered the perfect tongue scraping routine, it’s time to talk about the best tongue scraper out there.There are so many tongue scrapers on the market, and you’ll notice many of them are arch-shaped. But our professional tongue scraper is a natural stand-out with its single-hand, round-edge design that helps you clean those hard-to-reach spots on your tongue....without upsetting your gag reflex. Made of 100% medical grade stainless steel, it’s the tongue scraper that’s preferred by dental professionals....and actually used as an example in dental schools.In other words, it’s the best tongue scraper for your (now perfected) tongue scraping routine. buy now.
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what's on your tongue? how our tongue scraper can help keep it clean and healthy
Have you ever wondered what’s on your tongue? Why does it change colors? Why does it feel thicker and slimier when you wake up? What’s living on that cushy surface? You might be surprised to learn that hundreds of species of bacteria live on your tongue, doing their best to feed off the biofilm that develops between the times you complete your oral care routine. Oh, and not to mention, there are other microorganisms like yeasts and viruses that can also develop on your tongue, too! This is why it’s so important to prioritize tongue cleaning during your oral care routine. With products like plastic toothbrushes with a “tongue cleaner” on the opposite side of the bristles and mouthwashes that claim to kill 99% of germs, you might think these things are enough to keep your tongue clean and healthy. But we’re here to tell you that these methods simply aren’t enough (or in the case of mouthwash, they’re actually too much). We’re going to dive into the different things that live on your tongue and why tongue scraping (when combined with flossing and brushing with premium toothpaste) is one of the best ways to keep your tongue healthy and clean. Of course, we’ll also mention all of the things that make Davids the best tongue scraper out there. what’s on your tongue? In its simplest state, your tongue is covered with a soft pink tissue called the mucosa. Within the mucosa live tiny bumps called papillae, which house your taste buds. These taste buds contain tiny collections of nerve-like cells that allow your tongue to send messages to your brain. Your tongue’s mucosa is typically covered with a biofilm, a thick and gooey coating that feeds the bacteria in your mouth. Your oral microbiome (aka the ecosystem of your mouth) is home to up to 700 species of bacteria, many of which get cozy on your tongue. Because it has such a soft, porous surface, bacteria can easily penetrate and settle in. Interestingly, scientists have found that specific types of bacteria tend to settle on different areas of the tongue, creating little communities and neighborhoods. In addition to bacteria, your tongue might be home to oral pathogens (bad bacteria or viruses) or yeast (also known as oral thrush or candida) which can create a white film on the surface of your tongue and often feel “cottony”. why use a tongue scraper to clean it? Biofilm regrows on your tongue daily, so it’s extremely important to address it during your oral care routine. Because your tongue is such a porous, absorbent surface, and biofilm is such a thick, sticky substance....brushing alone cannot effectively clean your tongue. This is where a tongue scraper comes in. Tongue scraping daily (we recommend doing it right after brushing with Davids) can help remove biofilm and stagnant bacteria from your tongue, refreshing your tongue and preventing unwanted oral conditions (such as bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay). Although scientists haven’t fully identified all of the hundreds of bacteria that live in our oral microbiomes, they still have strong reason to believe that some of these bacteria are actually beneficial. This is why we recommend tongue scraping over using a chemical mouthwash that “kills 99% of germs” and wipes other beneficial organisms along the way. Not to mention, those chemical mouthwashes can disrupt the pH of your mouth, create mouth sores, and cause uncomfortable burning sensations. When you use a tongue scraper, you don’t have to worry about these things. Tongue scraping is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has been known to pose many benefits, some of which include: ridding of bad bacteria reducing your body’s toxic load stimulating your tissues and organs promoting digestion and gut health improving taste correcting bad breath And more. As you can see the benefits of tongue scraping extend beyond the mouth. Not to mention, it’s a sustainable, waste-free way to care for your oral and overall health. What an incredible way to sustain nature+you! what makes ours the best tongue scraper? With so many tongue scrapers on the market, we’re here to help you pick the best one. Here are some of the things that set the Davids tongue scraper apart from the rest. it’s stainless steel: why does this matter? Well, stainless steel is durable, non-toxic, dishwasher safe, and hypoallergenic. It won’t break or fray from everyday use, so you don’t have to worry about our tongue scraper developing sharp edges or getting messed up in the dishwasher. It’s made to last, so you have a sustainable, long-lasting tool for everyday tongue cleaning. it can single-handedly clean your mouth: (pun intended) while we don’t recommend an oral care routine with just tongue scraping alone (pair it with our toothpaste and awesome bamboo toothbrush), we mean you can literally use our tongue scraper with one hand. Most tongue scrapers on the market have a two-handed arch design, making them kinda big and awkward to maneuver. Ours is smaller and easier to handle, allowing you to reach areas of your tongue that others simply wouldn’t get to (in a way that avoids activating your gag reflex). it’s designed and preferred by professionals: this unique design was made by dental professionals. No wonder it’s used as an example in dental schools! There you have it: an effective tongue scraper you can use (effortlessly, with one hand) over and over again. Your cleanest, freshest tongue is just around the corner. What are you waiting for? buy now.
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what your tongue reveals about your overall health + how tongue scraping can boost it
One amazing way to stay in tune with your body and your overall health is to check your tongue on a daily basis. Your tongue can reveal a lot about your overall health. That’s one reason why doctors commonly ask you to stick out your tongue during your visit. If you notice any sores, sensations, unusual colors, or coatings on your tongue....consider that your body’s way of telling you something is off, and it wouldn’t hurt to get things checked out by a medical professional. The great thing about tongue scraping is....not only is it incredibly effective at keeping your tongue clean and healthy, but it also presents an opportunity to really look at and evaluate the condition of your tongue every single day. At Davids, we’re all for healthy oral care habits that reconnect you with your body and truly nurture your overall health. how to read your tongue In general, a healthy tongue appears pink with small nodules called papillae, which contain your taste buds. It should have few to no grooves and cracks, and it should feel neutral in your mouth (no stinging, tingling, or burning). Now, if you’re tongue scraping, and you notice something is off with your tongue, take note. Below we’ve outlined a few problems that can appear on your tongue. white coating or spots: this typically indicates oral thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth. This commonly occurs after a round of antibiotics, as your oral microbiome is disrupted. pale pink tongue: this could be a sign of weakened immunity, low energy, vitamin deficiency, or a combination of the three. bright red “strawberry” tongue: this could also be a sign of vitamin deficiency. If your red tongue is paired with a fever, it could indicate Kawasaki disease or Scarlet fever. purple tongue: a dark purple tongue could indicate chronic inflammation or infection. black “hairy” tongue: a “hairy” tongue can develop when the papillae grow longer and collect bacteria. This condition is more common for those with diabetes, those taking antibiotics, or those currently receiving chemotherapy. It’s generally harmless, but it’s definitely a good idea to get it checked by a dental professional. swollen tongue: there are many causes for a swollen tongue....infection, inflammation, allergic reaction, medication side effects, or trauma (biting, burning, piercing, etc.). sore or bumpy tongue: a sore or bumpy tongue could be a result of burning your tongue, clenching your jaw, or grinding your teeth. Bumps can also appear if you smoke or develop canker sores. If the sores don’t go away within two weeks, it could indicate oral cancer. Dental Ayurveda suggests that the tongue is connected to specific internal organs, such as the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, intestines, stomach, and spleen. When different areas of the tongue appear “off” it could suggest a toxin overload in one of these organs. five famous benefits of a tongue scraper 1: tongue scraping removes bacteria, dead cells, toxins, and debris Not only does tongue scraping reduce your body’s overall toxin load, but it also helps maintain balance in your oral microbiome. Your mouth contains 700+ different types of bacteria, some harmful and some beneficial. Your tongue, specifically, is a breeding ground for bad bacteria since it’s cushy, porous, and grooved. Research shows that tongue scraping effectively reduces the number of bad bacteria that form on your tongue overnight and throughout your day. Using a tongue scraper during your regular oral care routine can help protect against bad breath, cavities, gum disease, and more. 2: tongue scraping can stimulate your organs As previously mentioned, Ayurveda suggests that certain parts of your tongue correspond to certain organs. An issue with any part of your tongue could indicate a toxin overload in one of these organs. Similarly, when you clean your mouth with a tongue scraper, you remove toxins from your tongue while massaging the tissue. According to ancient Ayurveda, this removes toxins and stimulates the associated organs, restoring internal balance by reducing your body’s overall toxic load. 3: tongue scraping can improve digestion Your mouth plays a very special role in digestion, activating the process by producing saliva and acting as the window to your gut. Studies have shown that harmful bacteria and pathogens that live in your mouth can pass through your digestive system and enter your gut. This can cause inflammation, discomfort, and a weakened immune system. When you use a tongue scraper, you can remove these harmful microorganisms before they reach your gut microbiome. A 2018 study revealed that tongue scraping every morning for four weeks improved the subjects’ fatigue, digestion, and elimination. 4: tongue scraping can improve your taste By tongue scraping, you’re removing the thin coating that exists on your tongue, cleansing and renewing your taste buds. This allows you to taste things with a fresh palate. Researchers go on to say that the improved taste due to tongue scraping might lead to higher satisfaction during meals, which can actually help your digestion too. When taste and satisfaction increase, you’re more likely to stop eating when you’re full. This could prevent overeating, consequently reducing the amount of undigested food from accumulating in your body over time. 5: tongue scraping can increase your health awareness To reiterate, tongue scraping every day introduces an amazing opportunity to check in with your health. Connecting with your body in this way allows you to sooner identify when something looks or feels “off.” But even if your tongue is perfectly healthy (which we love to see), tongue scraping also allows you to maintain this health and start+end your day on a fresh, positive, mindful note. What’s not to love? how Davids nurtures your tongue health and overall health Now, it’s important to note that tongue scraping alone is not enough to maintain your oral and overall health. We recommend flossing, brushing, tongue scraping, and rinsing with natural mouthwash (in that order). When you brush with our natural toothpaste before tongue scraping, the leftover toothpaste remains on your tongue, delivering our intentional, bacteria-fighting ingredients to this porous surface. When you use your tongue scraper with our natural toothpaste, you allow these ingredients to penetrate the crevices on your tongue and kill bad bacteria that may be living there. It’s the perfect routine to start and end your day on the freshest possible note. buy now.
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should I scrape my tongue before or after brushing? our top tips for you
Whether you’ve never heard of tongue scraping before, or you’ve been using a tongue scraper for years...it can be confusing to determine the most effective order of operations for your oral care routine. Should I scrape my tongue before or after brushing? We’ve asked ourselves the same question a time or two. And lucky for you, we’ve found the answer. Follow along as we discuss the best time to use your tongue scraper + all of the amazing benefits it adds to your oral care routine. should I scrape my tongue before or after brushing? You’ll get maximum benefits if you scrape after brushing, especially when there’s still a bit of natural toothpaste left behind. Your tongue is full of cracks, grooves, and pores. So when you scrape your tongue after brushing, you allow the bacteria-fighting ingredients of our natural toothpaste to enter these spaces and begin cleaning. Then, you can use your tongue scraper to wipe away remaining food particles, residue, and bacteria for a deeper clean. Here are some additional tips regarding the order of your oral care routine. floss first: while most dentists will floss your teeth after cleaning, we recommend doing it before. When you floss, you’re dislodging particles and bacteria from the tiny crevices between your teeth. If you don’t brush after doing this, some of those particles and bacteria may remain in your mouth. Plus, when you floss before brushing, you allow your teeth to receive the maximum effect of your toothpaste. If you’re using our hydroxyapatite toothpaste, flossing first may allow those hydroxyapatite particles to better penetrate weakened areas and remineralize your enamel. brush with Davids: brushing with our effective natural toothpaste sets your mouth up for the perfect tongue scraping. It covers your mouth with bacteria-fighting, teeth-whitening, and enamel-restoring ingredients, leaving your mouth fresh and primed for tongue scraping. use your tongue scraper: as explained above, tongue scraping after brushing sets you up for maximum benefits (which we discuss in the next section). finish with natural mouthwash: when you finish with natural mouthwash (especially one fortified with hydroxyapatite), you allow the ingredients to penetrate and nourish your freshly cleaned teeth. Oh, and stay tuned for an exciting announcement from us about natural mouthwash! One last pro tip: we recommend doing this entire routine first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything. This is because tons of bacteria form and fester in your mouth while you sleep, so if you wake up and take a big gulp of water, you might be swallowing harmful bacteria that could disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome. Avoid this by starting your day with a fresh mouth. why use a tongue scraper? The benefits of a tongue scraper are undeniable. If you’re not already using one, here are a few great reasons to start! it clears bacteria, toxins, and dead cells from your tongue: this is perhaps the most obvious benefit, as tongue scraping removes residue and microorganisms from your tongue's surface. it can prevent bad breath: tongue scraping is one of the most effective ways to remove odor-causing particles from your tongue (especially the back of your tongue) it can enhance your sense of taste: tongue scraping cleanses and rejuvenates your taste buds. One study found that just two weeks of tongue scraping resulted in improved taste. it increases your overall health awareness: ancient Ayurveda claims that you can learn a lot about your current state of health by the appearance of your tongue. Conventional doctors also tend to follow this concept, which is why many doctors and dentists will ask you to stick out your tongue at the beginning of an exam. it can reduce your overall toxin load: dental Ayurveda also states that your tongue is directly connected to several of your vital organs. When you use a tongue scraper, you remove toxins from your tongue while stimulating the tissue, which does the same for the connected organs. The result? You help your organs detox and restore balance. it can improve your digestion: your mouth is the window to your gut, and reducing the amount of bad bacteria in your mouth does the same for your gut, allowing the good bacteria to flourish and promote good digestion. For a deeper dive into the benefits of tongue scraping, check out our previous article: why use a tongue scraper? 5 little known facts about its benefits. why Davids’ is the best tongue scraper Tongue scraping has been around for centuries, so there’s no shortage of tongue scraper options on the market. We’d like to explain some of the things that set ours apart from the rest. Our tongue scraper is the Tongue Sweeper Model P, which sports these amazing qualities. stainless steel construction: this model is dishwasher safe, hypoallergenic, BPA-free, and non-toxic. Unlike plastic and bamboo tongue scrapers, it’s extremely durable and will not break from everyday use. This high-quality metal will not show sharp edges like some copper and other low-quality metal options. dentist designed: the Tongue Sweeper is used as an example in dental schools! Its patented design is preferred by dental professionals. easy to use: unlike most tongue scrapers, it’s designed with a one-handed grip with a soft, curved head to reduce initiating the gag reflex and to promote overall ease of use. This model can be used by adults and children 5+ years of age, and you can even use it on your pets. Our tongue scraper is a safe, sustainable, and effective way to elevate + optimize your oral health. When you pair it with our natural toothpaste, it’s one of the best + easiest ways to start and end your day on the freshest possible note. buy now.
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