The tongue is one of TikTok’s latest fixations. With 4.9 million views on the hashtag #tonguescraping, people are curious about the oral health practice that’s proven to banish bad breath. But, considering that a lot of TikTok’s health advice can range from looney to downright dangerous, many are wondering if this is something they should try, or toss.
As CNN reports, beyond its current viral popularity, the tongue holds an important diagnostic role in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern dental and medical practices. In Ayurveda, in which using a tongue scraper has been a centuries-old practice, the different parts of the tongue connect to other organs in the body, such as the heart, kidneys and lungs, and can reflect the health of these areas. It is believed that tongue scraping helps remove the toxins from the mouth, keeping them from being digested, absorbed and affecting your overall health.
Should You Try Tongue Scraping? Experts Weigh In
Using a tongue scraper has a number of benefits. The primary one is eliminating bad breath and instantly giving the feeling of a cleaner mouth. “One of the leading causes of bad breath is the microscopic food particles, dead skin cells and bacteria that live on the tongue,” explains Dr. Brian Harris, lead medical advisor of Snow and Frost Oral Care. “Cleaning those things off your tongue with a tongue cleanser should absolutely be a part of your oral care routine; brushing the tongue is not enough. The best way to test this is to use a tongue scraper after you have already brushed your tongue — you will be surprised with what you can still remove even after brushing.”
Cosmetic dentist Dr. Marc Lowenberg of Lowenberg, Lituchy and Kantor in New York City also says that tongue scraping is an important step in a complete oral hygiene routine. “It can’t replace brushing, but should be done in addition to brushing, flossing and rinsing,” he says.
In addition, tongue scraping can promote a healthier mouth biome (the community of bacteria that lives in the mouth) and reduce the occurrence of inflamed gums. “[Tongue scraping] helps restore the balance of ‘good bacteria’ in the mouth by removing the ‘bad bacteria,’ thus contributing to better oral and general health,” share Dr. Haleh Abivardi and Dr. Golnar Abivardi, the founders of Vvardis.
Ayurveda Sciences teacher Katie Silcox, M.A., author of Glow Worthy, says tongue scraping comes with lots of benefits because it helps remove the buildup of odor-causing bacteria and food debris on the tongue’s surface. You may have even noticed a light-colored coating on your tongue? In addition to supporting fresher breath and overall improved oral hygiene, cleaning the tongue may also enhance the sensitivity of your taste buds so you can better enjoy the flavors of food.
How to Choose a Tongue Scraper
How to Choose a Tongue Scraper
Tongue scrapers come in various designs, and finding one that is comfortable, durable and effective is key. They often come with two handles or in a wand, and are made out of plastic or metal. Most dental experts have a preference for metal — either medical-grade steel or copper — over plastic, because they can be thoroughly sanitized.
“You want to make sure you use a properly designed tongue cleanser and avoid using ones that have sharp edges,” says Harris. “A properly designed tongue scraper will get deep into the crevices and fissures of the tongue to effectively remove particles.” The dentist also notes that you’ll want to look for one that “covers a lot of surface area with each pass.”
“The goal is to make one or two passes of the tongue and be done,” Harris continues. “More cleansing and less scraping.”
How Often and When is the Best Time to Scrape Your Tongue?
It’s best to incorporate tongue scraping into your daily oral hygiene routine, preferably in the morning before eating or drinking anything. “Though you would not think it, there is still oral activity while you sleep,” the Abivardis say. “This is the time when our saliva flow decreases. This allows for bacteria and dead cells, both naturally present in the mouth and those from remnants of food and drink consumed in the day, to settle on the surfaces of the mouth, and in particular, the tongue. Hence, the dreaded morning breath! Therefore, one of the best times to utilize a tongue scraper would be in the morning.”
Although, it doesn’t hurt to do it at night, at the end of your usual oral care routine, too.
How to Properly Scrape Your Tongue
Here’s how to properly tongue scrape, according to Silcox:
- Clean the tongue scraper: Before using it, wash your tongue scraper with warm water and soap to ensure it’s clean and free of any bacteria.
- Prepare your mouth: Stand in front of a mirror and open your mouth wide. Stick your tongue out as far as you can.
- Scrape your tongue: Place the rounded end of the tongue scraper at the back of your tongue and gently scrape forward towards the tip. Apply light pressure and repeat this motion five to 10 times. Rinse the tongue scraper after each pass.
- Rinse and clean: After you finish scraping your tongue, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Some people also use an herbal mouthwash for added freshness.
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