Studies show that nearly 68% of oral maladies have to do with bacteria left on the tongue, thus one reason the Keeko copper tongue scraper has risen in popularity. Aside from removing bacteria and stagnant food particles, copper
Associated Oral and Heart Disease
Dentists have recommended tongue cleaning for decades. When bacteria is not properly scrapped off, it remains on the tongue and can contribute to several dental problems like gingivitis, cavities, throat infections, and bad breath. Even worse, studies confirm that this bacteria also contributes to heart disease and pneumonia.
How is it all connected? Well, bacteria travels from the mouth throughout the body through the bloodstream. When it reaches the arterial walls and the heart, bacteria adheres and causes inflammation, which results in diseases like endocarditis, atherosclerosis, or other cardiovascular conditions.
Coronary heart disease represents one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. To date, doctors have identified more than 50 bacterial pathogens that cause inflammation of the arteries, and dentists are stressing better oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day is recommended, but also adequately scraping the tongue can increase the overall health of the mouth and body.
Why Copper?
In 2008 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved copper as the only metal in the world with antimicrobial properties. Tests conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that 99.9% of disease-causing bacteria and viruses are removed within two hours of exposure to copper. Today, copper has become one of the most commonly used metals to kill bacteria.
Copper is inherently antimicrobial, which means that quickly and efficiently kills bacteria and viruses causing diseases by contact. In fact, copper is capable of killing harmful bacteria, such as E. Coli, influenza, and adenovirus. It’s even been successful with some microbes that are typically resistant to antibiotics. For this reason, frequent contact surfaces are made with copper, and are even being used in hospitals. Studies show that hospital surfaces coated with copper plays a vital role in intensive care wards, and has reduced bacterial loads by 83%. It’s been so successful, that hospitals worldwide are now infusing copper coatings into hospital wards.
Doctors and dentists researched for years how to eliminate fungi and bacteria in the mouth and found that incorporating a percentage of copper solves the problem. Patented items, such as the Keeko copper tongue scraper, is changing the industry because of its antimicrobial benefits.
Properly Cleaning the Tongue
The tip of the tongue is typically easier to clean, but people hesitate when cleaning the back because of the gag reflex. Go slow and the more you use a tongue scraper, you’ll realize an active gag reflex will decrease over time.
