6 Reasons Tongue Hygiene Improves Health

Ever wonder what those funny mini lacrosse shaped sticks are in the dental section of the pharmacy? Your dentist likely never mentioned tongue scraping to you, so as far as you’re concerned you’re following Dr’s orders with an adequate oral hygiene regimen by brushing and flossing daily. You probably never even heard of tongue scraping and full disclosure: neither had I! And I went to dental school! (Ok maybe throughout the course of 4 years in DS, they mentioned it for a total of 1 minute. Maybe.). The practice of tongue scraping has not made it to mainstream dentistry, which means it likely hasn’t made it to your home ritual either. 

What exactly is Tongue scraping?

It's an ancient Ayurvedic practice that removes bad bacteria, food debris and dead cells from the surface of your tongue by using a long thin flat “u shaped” metal or plastic tool or scraper.

Why you want to add it your oral hygiene care:

1. Better Health. Your tongue harbors bacteria. Some of that bacteria can cause cavities or gum inflammation. Removing the bacteria will prevent tooth decay and periodontal problems keeping your teeth and gums healthy. In Ayurveda, it is also believed that toxins due to digestive disorders or weakened metabolism show up on your tongue’s surface and if not properly and regularly cleaned off, they will recirculate back into your system and lead to weakened immunity and disease. 

2. Helps fight bad breath. Something no one ever wants to have! Most bad breath actually comes from the back of the tongue and that tongue scraper manages to collect all that bacterial coating in one squick swoop. Doing this on a daily basis has shown to significantly reduce incidence of bad breath and increase overall confidence (and your partner’s happiness). 

3. Taste More. Your taste buds can get blocked over time by the accumulation of dead cells. If you remove them by tongue scraping, your taste buds become exposed again with a heightened sensitivity to all tastes and flavors so you can enjoy all that delicious food you’re cooking even more. 

4. Better Digestion. All Digestion begins in the mouth. In a normal digestive process, enzymes in your saliva are released to break down food. But if our taste buds are blocked by the buildup of dead cells and mucus, they can't activate signals to the brain to release these salivary enzymes needed for efficient digestion, which can lead to gut health issues like constipation. Cleaning the extra dead layer off your tongue will ensure proper function of the taste buds’ role in digestion. 

5. Esthetics. Black, green, yellow, or discolored tongues are just not very pretty. Tongue scraping helps remove the discoloration and debris returning it back to it’s soft, natural pink (and pretty) color.

6. Immunity. Your tongue is your first line of defense against fighting foreign bodies, bacterias and viruses. Without properly cleaning it, those toxins build up and weaken the immune system. Scraping away the toxins helps your first line of defense do its job even better defending your immunity.

How do you do it?

1. First thing in the morning because the bulk of the bacteria builds up over night while you’re asleep (when your saliva production is at its lowest).

2. Stick your tongue out as far as it can and put the scraper as far back as possible without gagging. 

3. The scraper should lie flat against your tongue and with firm but gentle pressure, push it forward towards the tip of your tongue in one long stroke (back to front). Remember, be gentle. Applying too much pressure is unnecessary and can cause damage to your tongue's surface!

4. Spit out any saliva or debris that has accumulated and wash the scraper with warm water.

5. Repeat this process 5-12 times until your tongue’s surface feels clean. 

6. Store your scraper in a clean, sterile place. Plastic ones should be replaced often. Metal scrapers are better quality and easier to clean. 

Why not just use a toothbrush?

Some of the bacteria on your tongue hangs out all the way in the back (the ones that cause bad breath), which is harder for a toothbrush to reach. The unique shape of a tongue scraper not only makes it easier to reach, it also removes more bacteria per swipe than a toothbrush would. Logic always prevails: a tooth brush is designed to brush teeth effectively, a tongue scraper is designed to brush the tongue effectively- when used in reverse, it's just not that effective. 

There are two types of tongue scrapers, both get the job done so it’s a matter of preference!

1. Requires 1 hand grip 2. Requires 2hands (hold 1 end with each hand)

Click Here for a great step-by-step guide to tongue scraping with photos included!