TONGUE CLEANER

"It has been estimated that the debris in the mouth may be responsible for up to 90% of oral malodor." —Dr. Joseph Tonzetich — considered the modern-day pioneer in bad breath research

"Many current treatments for bad breath (e.g. mouthwash) do not improve oral ecology—in fact, they might make matters worse." — Scientific American

A tongue cleaner (aka tongue scraper) is a simple tool specifically designed to physically remove the whitish-gray coating found on our tongues that is made up of bacteria, dead cells, fungi, and food debris.

Costing less than 10 bucks, tongue cleaners provide a powerful and intelligent solution for one of the root causes of bad breath: the bacteria that thrive on the tongue and emit a sulfur-like odor. Along with the basics of brushing, flossing, and hydrating, it is a key part of implementing a simple system for getting rid of bad breath.

While a toothbrush could be used, it has been clinically proven to be far less effective at removing this film than using this simple tool.

Wake and scrape. When we sleep, our digestive system remains awake, removing toxins from our body by depositing them on the surface of our tongue. This process can cause bacteria to accumulate. Studies have shown that using a tongue cleaner can reduce this type of buildup. Using a tongue cleaner will not only help remove the odor-causing bacteria but the toxins that come with it.

Removing surface toxins from the body is highly beneficial since they can be reabsorbed and cause various health issues. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to eliminate these toxins from the body to maintain good health. Using a tongue cleaner also stimulates the taste buds leading to an increase in taste sensations.

(Simply put, tongue cleaners work. If you are not convinced of how effective this tool is, we will happily refund your purchase).

Did you know?

• A dry mouth allows odor-producing oral bacteria to flourish. Drinking more water during the day can help by rinsing away food in the mouth, and preventing bacterial growth.
  
• Contrary to popular belief, most mouthwashes do not cure bad breath. They also disrupt your oral microbiome by killing both good and bad bacteria. As reported by The Huffington Post, in 2008, the Better Business Bureau determined that no mouthwash is allowed to claim fresh breath for more than an hour.
  
• Tongue cleaning hygiene has been practiced for centuries in Africa, Arabia, Europe, South America, and many eastern cultures. The various materials used for tongue cleaners include thin flexible wood sections, metals, ivory, mother-of-pearl, whalebone, celluloid, tortoiseshell, and plastic. In Ayurveda, the practice of traditional Indian medicine, tongue cleaning is recommended as a core part of one’s daily oral hygiene routine to remove toxic debris, known as Ama.
  
• The principal cause of the stench is volatile sulfide compounds (VSCs), including methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfide (both smell like rotten cabbage), hydrogen sulfide (smells like rotten eggs).
  
• Each year Americans spend more than $1 billion on over-the-counter products to fight halitosis, many of which are ineffective because they only mask the problem.
  
• According to Web MD, the top factors that open the door for the anaerobic odor-causing bacteria to thrive include poor oral hygiene and sinus/throat health.

"The ancient Ayurvedic recommendation of tongue scraping is one that is often overlooked. There are many benefits to this daily practice as far as oral health, and overall physical, mental, and spiritual health. Since the oral cavity is one of the main gateways between your mind/body and the environment, maintaining the health of this connection is critical to general well-being." — Sheila Patel M.D