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You may be flossing, brushing twice daily, getting your biannual cleanings, and using mouthwash at the right times. But have you considered adding tongue scraping to your routine? If not, it might be time to introduce this step for improved oral hygiene.
What Exactly Is Tongue Scraping?
While it’s relatively new in Western dental care, tongue scraping has long been a practice in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda). It involves using a simple U-shaped tool, either plastic or metal, to gently scrape the tongue's surface to remove bacteria, food particles, and debris. Though, as dentist Dr. Jordan Davis points out, “tongue cleaning is a practice that is not highly discussed or valued within the [American] dental community,” it offers many oral health benefits.
Is Tongue Scraping More Effective Than Brushing?
Brushing your tongue is better than leaving it uncleaned, but a scraper is specially designed to reach into the tiny bumps, or “papillae,” on the tongue's surface, effectively removing dead skin cells, debris, and bacteria trapped in those crevices.
As dental hygienist Whitney DiFoggio puts it, “Tongue scraping is far superior at removing food particles from the tongue compared to brushing. The results are immediate and very noticeable.” (So noticeable, in fact, that you might find yourself “shocked or disgusted” the first time you try it.)
Registered dental hygienist Tenika Patterson from the Cleveland Clinic also agrees. “Brushing is fine, but think of it like this—when you scrub a dirty carpet, the dirt gets embedded. However, scraping it removes dirt right from the surface.”
What Are the Advantages of Tongue Scraping?
Reduce bad breath: As Difoggio mentions on her website TeethTalkGirl, “These tiny, finger-like projections [papillae] are responsible for harboring up to 90% of the bacteria that cause bad breath.”
Enhance taste sensation: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that tongue scraping for two weeks led to an “improvement in taste sensation,” helping your taste buds distinguish flavors more clearly.
Eliminate harmful bacteria: According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, scraping your tongue twice daily for a week resulted in a “significant decrease” in Mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli, bacteria linked to dental decay and bad breath.
Promote better oral health: The Cleveland Clinic explains that while your tongue holds beneficial bacteria, leftover bacteria after brushing can be harmful, contributing to “tooth decay and gum infections.” Scraping your tongue helps reduce the exposure to bacteria that may lead to gum inflammation and cavities.
How do you properly use a tongue scraper?
To avoid discomfort or ineffective results, make sure to use the tongue scraper correctly. Stick out your tongue and place the scraper as far back as possible without triggering your gag reflex. Gently drag the scraper from the back of your tongue to the front with moderate pressure—avoid scraping too hard. Afterward, rinse the scraper and repeat the process 2-3 more times—once a day—for the best outcome.
