Once you start tongue scraping, you’ll never look back
I remember the first time I pulled out a tongue scraper from my toiletries bag in front of friends.
This was close to ten years ago and it was met with strange expressions and, if I remember correctly, an ‘ew’ or two.
The idea of scraping the top layer of my tongue was repulsive to them, which I understood, but it wasn’t as if I was doing it in front of them.
Plus, in my mind, the idea of not scraping (AKA cleaning) your tongue was just as nauseating.
Nowadays, I like to believe that it’s more a standard practice than it was all those years ago as the world leans into every health benefit available to them.
But why should we choose to add this method to our oral hygiene routine?
What are the health benefits of tongue scraping?
While having that fresh feeling of a squeaky clean mouth tops the list of why I choose to never forgo this practice, there are various reasons why it’s one I’ll keep for life.
Overnight, while we’re sleeping, a concoction of bacteria, fungi, food, and toxins can begin to accumulate — these can all be reabsorbed by the body.
If these impurities are left to their own devices, they can result in digestive and dental issues, acne, and bad breath.
Learning this was enough to keep me committed to scraping my tongue every morning and every night.
For one, scraping reduces bad breath, which really should be a priority for us all, with research in a 2004 study determining that it was more effective than brushing at removing odour-causing bacteria.
Meanwhile, a 2005 study stated that using a tongue scraper twice a day for seven days reduced the overall incidence of mutans streptococci and Lactobacilli bacteria in the mouth — bacteria known to cause bad breath and dental decay.
By scraping away this bacteria, we’re more likely to avoid conditions like gum disease and cavities, as well as gain an improved sense of taste.
It’s important to note that tongue scraping follows brushing your teeth. It’s part of a routine, not a stand-alone method for oral hygiene.
From an aesthetic point of view, including this practice in your oral hygiene can improve the overall appearance of your tongue as daily scraping can remove and prevent any white coating from forming.
How to perform tongue scraping
Tongue scraping is simple and once you get the hang of it, it can be carried out as easily as brushing your teeth.
- Brush your teeth
- Stand in front of the mirror, stick out your tongue, and gently pull the scraper in a downward motion from the back of your tongue (if you’re prone to gagging, try starting at the middle of your tongue)
- Repeat until you are satisfied that any coating on the tongue has been cleared away (I find that two to three scrapes are enough)
- Clean your scraper after each use with warm water and a cloth or tissue o ensure any bacteria buildup isn’t left on the tool
- Wash your scraper frequently with soap and water and store in a clean and dry area
- Consistency is key; try to scrape twice a day, every day
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