The Evolution Of Tongue Cleaners
metal tongue cleaner
The Evolution Of Tongue Cleaners
Did you know tongue cleaners have been used for oral hygiene for thousands of years? It may surprise you, but archaeological evidence has shown that this practice dates back 7000 years! Why is such an ancient practice still relevant today? Fret not, for today, we will delve deep into the history of tongue cleaning and the benefits that come from it.
History of tongue cleaners –
Tongue cleaning has been an indispensable part of oral hygiene for centuries in India, Arabia, South America, Africa, and Europe. In parts of Africa and Asia, using "Miswak" to brush the teeth and scrape the tongue was prevalent.
Ancient Indian records show the usage of "datuna", an indigenous toothbrush made out of the twig of an aromatic tree.
In Ayurveda, the practice of tongue cleansing or "Jihwa Prakshalana" employs the usage of a metal tongue cleaner to remove "Ama" or unripe food particles from the tongue. Scraping of the "ama" is said to help digestion and improve taste.
Tongue cleansing came to the West much later, the earliest records dating back to 100AD in Ancient Rome. During that time, the tongue cleaners were made out of iron.
With the Industrial Revolution, mass production began, and tongue cleaners became readily available for people from all walks of life to enjoy.
Tongue cleaners today -
Tongue cleaners come in many materials today, providing you with a variety to choose from. Some popular choices are -
· Copper Tongue Cleaners - Renowned for their natural antimicrobial properties, copper tongue cleaners kill the harmful bacteria on your tongue. It also provides enzymes that promote the growth of good bacteria.
· Surgical Steel Tongue Cleaners - Made of surgical grade stainless steel, these tongue cleaners are easy to clean, durable, and hypoallergenic.
· Plastic Tongue Cleaner - Lightweight and easy to use, these tongue cleaners come in various designs and sizes to suit different preferences.
· Bamboo Tongue Cleaner - Eco-friendly and biodegradable, bamboo tongue cleaners are a more sustainable choice than most other materials.
Benefits of Tongue Cleaning -
Now that we know how tongue cleaners have evolved through centuries let us dive into why the ancient practice of tongue cleaning has traversed generations.
· Improved Oral Hygiene - Tongue cleaning helps remove food remains, harmful bacteria, and dead cells from the tongue, decreasing the risk of dental plaque and gum disease
· Improved Taste – Tongue cleaning removes the buildup from the tongue, exposing your taste buds to more flavors.
· Preventing Halitosis - Cleansing your tongue removes bacteria from your tongue, ensuring fresh and odor-free breath. A copper tongue cleaner can be beneficial in removing odor-causing bacteria.
· Prevents Oral Infections - Regularly cleaning your tongue removes bacterial and fungal buildup from your tongue, reducing the risk of oral infections.
To wrap up,
Maintaining oral hygiene is important for ones overall health, and while brushing and flossing are widely known and recommended practices, many people overlook the importance of tongue cleaning. Cleaning your tongue can help remove harmful bacteria and enhance the flavors of your food. So, if you're planning to incorporate this age-old practice into your routine, grab a metal tongue cleaner and get going because there's no better time to start than now!