From dentists to top brass, many claim that tongue scraping is a humble yet essential part of your oral hygiene routine. Though tongue scraping is becoming increasingly mainstream, it’s actually an ancient Ayurvedic self-care concept.
“Ayurveda is a system of detoxification and replenishment,” explains Anita Kaushal, co-founder of Mauli Rituals. “It may sound wild, but we say it like this: wherever there is an opening or an outlet, detoxification can and should occur. Obviously, we blink to cleanse our eyes, blow our nose, etc. Tongue scraping removes bacteria that builds up on the surface of the tongue, but if bacteria remains, it can lead to gum disease and bad breath, and this dirt can then be taken into the body, causing further ama (disease).” In Ayurveda, “tongue scraping has always been fundamental. It’s cheap, it’s quick, and anyone can do it,” she adds.
Dentist Dr Leena Wadia, founder of RW Perio and lead gum expert, touts the cleansing effects of tongue scraping from an oral hygiene standpoint. “The tongue is like a sponge, trapping bad bacteria, dirt and food particles that, if left unchecked, can lead to unpleasant consequences,” she points out. This unwanted buildup can lead to bad breath, plaque buildup, and even tooth decay, the renowned dental expert told Bazaar. “Like a carpet, the surface of your tongue is full of cracks and crevices that trap excess particles, which is why it needs to be cleaned regularly.”
That’s where a tongue cleaner comes in. It’s a simple tool, usually made of plastic or metal, designed to be moved along your tongue. “This removes excess particles that have built up on the surface of your tongue,” explains Dr. Wadia.
What are the benefits of tongue scraping?
As stated by both experts on the subject, the main benefit of tongue scraping is that it helps to fight buildup that can negatively affect your oral hygiene. “Tongue scraping removes excess bacteria as well as any leftover food particles or debris, helping to maintain a balance of bacteria in your mouth,” asserts Dr. Wadia.
Plus, she lists other benefits of tongue scraping:
-
Improves bad breath: “Bad breath is caused by bacteria that builds up on the surface of your tongue. This bacteria produces sulfur compounds that cause the foul odor. Tongue scraping significantly reduces the presence of this bacteria compared to brushing your teeth alone.”
-
Elimination of Streptococcus mutans: “Not only does tongue scraping remove odor-causing bacteria, it also reduces the Streptococcus mutans bacteria that cause tooth decay. Plus, preventing the buildup of excess particles and debris is a preventative measure against cavities, gum disease, and other dental diseases.”
-
Plaque Reduction: “Regular tongue scraping is effective in reducing plaque, the sticky deposits on teeth where bacteria thrive.”
-
Taste Enhancement: “Too much tongue coating can interfere with your sense of taste’s ability to distinguish between bitter, sweet, salty and sour tastes. Removing tongue coating through the continued use of a tongue cleaner has been shown to improve your sense of taste.”
-
Strengthening the immune system: “Scraping your tongue can help prevent toxins from being reabsorbed into your body, boosting your overall immunity.”
-
Improve the appearance of your tongue: “A buildup of tongue dirt can cause a white film to form on the tongue. Tongue scraping can remove this film and return the tongue to its normal color.”
How effective is the tongue cleaner?
Tongue scraping is thought to be effective if done consistently: “If you want to see results, scrape your tongue regularly,” advises Dr Wadia.
While cleaning your tongue with a toothbrush may be more convenient, it may not provide the same benefits. “Getting into the habit of cleaning your tongue will improve your oral hygiene overall, but using a tongue cleaner is particularly effective,” she explains.
“The tongue cleaner is made to fit the natural shape of your tongue and this design maximizes its effectiveness in removing excess bacteria, dirt and particle buildup.” Studies have shown that tongue cleaners can reduce 30% more sulfur-producing bacteria than toothbrushes, the dentist added.
How to properly use a tongue cleaner?
Scraping your tongue isn’t a time-consuming task and should take less than two minutes, advises Dr Wadia. A tongue cleaner should be used once a day, best after brushing your teeth as the final step in your oral care routine.
Method is as follows.
-
Open your mouth and stick your tongue out as far as you can. Avoid sticking your tongue out as this reduces the surface area and makes scraping less effective.
-
Hold the tongue cleaner by its handle and place it at the back of your tongue (as far back as is comfortable).
-
Apply firm pressure to the tongue cleaner and in slow, smooth movements pull it from the back of your tongue to the front – a maximum of 4-8 movements should be sufficient.
-
Rinse your scraper after each use, keep it clean and dry after storage, and follow the product instructions on the best way to disinfect it regularly.
Is scraping your tongue dangerous?
Although tongue scraping has many health benefits, Dr Wadia warns that it shouldn’t replace brushing your teeth. “Tongue cleaners should be used as a valuable adjunct to maintaining optimal levels of oral health,” she says, adding that you should brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day and rinse your mouth with mouthwash afterwards.
As for safety when using a tongue cleaner, she says not to push or pull too hard on your tongue. “The tongue is a resilient organ, but scrubbing your tongue too hard or too frequently can damage your taste buds or cause bleeding. Scrub gently but firmly. Scrub consistently, but not too frequently.”
The best tongue cleaner
Later this summer, Dr. Wadia will be launching a tongue cleaner made of neatly cut stainless steel to ensure precise results. Already in use at Dr. Wadia’s clinic at 75 Harley Street, the tool blends Dr. Wadia’s knowledge of traditional Ayurvedic self-care with cutting-edge dentistry. In the meantime, we recommend the following plastic-free tools for at-home use:
You might also like
