The Surprising Health Benefits of Using a Copper Tongue Scraper

 

 

If you're looking for a simple and effective way to improve your oral hygiene, a Copper Tongue Scraper might just be the answer. Not only does it help to remove bacteria and debris from the tongue, but it also promotes better breath and overall oral health.

 

What does Ayurveda say about the use of copper?

In Ayurveda, copper is considered a sacred metal and is believed to have several health benefits. According to Ayurveda, drinking water stored in a copper vessel can help improve digestion, reduce inflammation and balance the three dohas (Ayurvedic mind-body types). Copper is also believed to have antimicrobial properties and be beneficial for the skin. In addition, Ayurveda suggests that using copper utensils and other objects can help improve the energy of a space and bring positive vibrations. Copper is one of the five metals used in the traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine, along with gold, silver, iron and tin. The copper tongue scrapper has been used for centuries, from when there were no toothbrushes. Tongue hygiene has been practised for centuries, not just in India but also in Arabia, Africa, Asian countries, South America and Europe. 

Other materials used to clean the regular tongue were whalebone, tortoiseshell, ivory, mother of pearl, thin, flexible wood sections, bamboo, metals and, of course, plastic. As civilisation evolved, so did the tongue scrappers. The tongue is important for many functions, such as speech, taste and digestion, yet it is the most overlooked muscle when performing daily dental hygiene. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that our tongues can indicate digestive issues and flora imbalance. Hence it is imperative that we eat clean and wholesome natural foods and beverages.

 

How is copper made?

Copper is a reddish-coloured metal that has a lustrous look and is classified as a transition metal. It is one of very few elements found in its purest forms. It is a good conductor of electricity and heat. Its high malleability, ductility, thermal and electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance make it the most favourable metal for the electrical industry to make wires. In the past, copper was widely used to make copper coins since it resists corrosion from moisture, air and seaweed, but now some countries make their coins from zinc with a coating of copper. Various other things were made from copper, like tools, weapons, jewellery, and kettles to make moulds for sculptures, musical instruments, screws, other hardware, water pipes, utensils and apparatus for oral hygiene. With a mixture of other elements, copper was also used for agricultural poison, algicide in water for purification, blue pigmentation for inks, fix dyes to fabrics, electroplating, and our modern medical imaging and radiotherapy to diagnose, understand and monitor diseases. It has been used as a tracer to study copper absorption, utilisation and excretion in humans, to name a few.  

It is an essential nutrient in our daily diet. Copper in a Mineral form is important for various bodily functions like the body tissues, making red blood cells, and maintaining nerves and the immune system. Copper in our bodies is mainly found in our brain, heart, liver, kidneys and skeletal muscles. It helps absorb iron for healthy bones, forms collagen and produces energy for the body. Its antimicrobial property is becoming increasingly effective in the prevention of infection.  

You should consult your doctor first and find out if you require supplements that could benefit your health. 

 

What are the bacterias that grow on the tongue?  

The bacteria tend to flourish on tongues that lack saliva or in poor oral hygiene mouths. Microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and fungi can attach and colonise various parts of the oral cavity because of open-mouth breathing. Certain medications can also cause people to suffer from sleep apnea and dry mouth. Halitosis(Bad breath) is also one of the signs. In addition, tobacco products can alter the soft tissues in the oral cavity and the tongue. The predominant odour-causing bacteria you will find on your tongue are Actinomyces, Rothia and Streptococcus. 

 

How should a healthy tongue look?

A healthy tongue should be light pink. If your tongue looks bright red, it's a sign of illness, like a sore throat. On the other hand, suppose you see white spots; it is a sign of fungal infection. If any discolouration or surface on the tongue feels raised or rough on the edges of the tongue, you should immediately visit a dentist.

 

What benefits of using a copper tongue scraper?

• It helps in removing the layer of biofilm on the tongue. 
• Helps remove toxins
• It helps reduce bad breath(halitosis)
• It helps in giving you fresher breath.
• It helps enhance your ability to taste food better as the layer of bacteria and debris on your tongue is scrapped away, which blocks the taste buds.
• Regular use can help keep the tongue healthy by reducing the risk of tongue infections.  
• It helps improve not just your oral health but also your overall health.
• Boosts your immunity
• Reduces the chances of passing down the bacteria into the gut, preventing gut issues. 
• Much more effective than stainless steel as it has natural antimicrobial properties.
• It has a better shelf life, minimising waste in landfills.
• It's easy to use. 
• It fits comfortably in your hand.
• It's ergonomically designed to prevent gagging.

 

How Many Times Should One Use The Copper Tongue Scraper?

There is no limit to cleaning your tongue as such. The layer of bacteria(Biofilm) will form naturally in the mouth every second, but ideally:

• Tongue scraping should be done twice a day after brushing. Morning and night before going to sleep.
• You can scrap your tongue between meals, like during snacking time, if your tongue feels a little unpleasant or if your breath does not feel fresh, especially after you have eaten a meal containing garlic and onions OR after having a coffee. 
• Although mouthwash can be used to mask the meal odours, within a few minutes, the tongue buildup from the meals will be released along with the ph level changing and releasing of the toxins altogether will not be able to give you fresh breath. You will have to scrap your tongue and brush your teeth with a regular toothbrush for the elimination of bacteria. 

 

How is a copper tongue scraper better than one made from stainless steel? 

• Copper tongue scrappers are becoming increasingly popular due to their natural antimicrobial properties, which are softer and more flexible than stainless steel. Hence gentle on the tongue and taste buds.
• Copper also has a longer shelf life than stainless steel, meaning it will not need to be replaced as often and will help reduce waste in landfills.
• Both tongue cleaners effectively remove bacteria and toxins that cause bad breath and other oral health issues. Still, copper may be better suited for those with sensitive gums or tongues as it is less abrasive than steel.  
• The copper tongue scrapper is expensive because of its unique antibacterial properties & its softer material. Ultimately, the choice between copper or steel depends on personal preference and budget.

 

How to Use?

• Hold by the handles.
• Place the curved shaped edge at the back of your tongue but not too far back to avoid activating the gag reflex.
• Apply light pressure, pulling it gently all the way forward to the tip to remove biofilm (layer of bacteria/plaque)
• Rinse & repeat as needed.
• After cleaning your tongue, wash the tongue cleaner under warm water, dry the copper tongue scraper and leave it in the open dry area.

 

How often do you clean a copper tongue scrapper?

While you diligently clean your tongue with the copper tongue cleaner, the bacteria from the plaque biofilm from the tongue gets transferred onto the tongue scrapper. Unless you use your fingers under the running water to physically take it off, it won't come off. So daily, twice a day preferably, after every use.  

 

How do you sterilise/clean a copper tongue scraper?

There are many ways to sterilise/disinfect and remove the tarnished look of your tongue scrapper, but we recommend either of these two methods:

1) 3 parts salt and 1 cup of white vinegar into a bowl and boil. Then, turn off the fire, and place the tongue scrapper in the bowl for 10-15 minutes. Then, please take out the tongue scrapper carefully and dry it straight away.

2) Cut a lemon in half. Dab the two halves of lemon in salt and hold the tongue scrapper. Rub the tongue scrapper until you have removed  

 

Do tongue scrapers remove taste buds?

If you apply excessive pressure with the tongue scraper, it can damage your taste buds. Making sure to use the tool with gentle pressure will ensure that it does not hurt or cause any issues.

Ensure your scraper has no sharp edges to avoid potential injuries. Cease using the scraper if you experience bleeding from your tongue.

 

How often should you change the copper tongue scrapper?

Long periods of exposure of copper tongue scrapper to air may result in forming a thin layer of green protective coating (patina), a mixture of other compounds. It does not mean that it is spoilt.

So if you don't like the look of it, you can change your copper tongue scraper every three months.