Tongue scraping is an essential part of dental hygiene. A tongue scraper is a long, thin, flat piece of metal or plastic that has a “U” shape. It’s aimed to get rid of bacteria, food debris, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue.

Tongue scraping is usually done in the morning to remove any debris that occurred overnight. This is an ancient practice that’s starting to gain modern appeal. Let’s review a few reasons to add it to your daily dental routine:

1. It can boost the flavors of your food 

If a person doesn’t remove buildup on the tongue regularly, their taste buds can get blocked over time. This might contribute to false cravings or an inability to pick up certain flavors from foods. Tongue scraping has been found to better expose your taste buds and boost taste sensation.

2. It might aid digestion

Proper digestion is crucial for your overall health. When your digestive system works properly, your body gets enough energy and absorbs all essential nutrients better. Since digestion starts with taste, removing tongue buildup ultimately makes the entire digestive process run more smoothly. Scraping also promotes saliva production to help with digestion throughout the day. 

3. It can temporarily reduce bad breath 

Bad breath, or halitosis, can have a negative effect on a person’s life, relationships, and self-esteem. Most cases of bad breath stem from the bacteria at the back of the tongue, an area that’s hard to reach with a toothbrush. According to multiple clinical studies, tongue scraping can significantly lower the amount of this bacteria, contributing to better breath.

That’s because the scraping action of a tongue scraper collects these coatings (which can range in color from clear, white, yellow, or green) and removes them from the mouth in one fell swoop. Though you can just use a toothbrush to brush the tongue, the unique shape of a tongue scraper helps it remove bacteria more efficiently. 

4. It improves tooth and gum health 

When done in combination with brushing and flossing, this dental hygiene option effectively removes bacteria responsible for periodontal issues, accumulation of plaque buildup, tooth decay, gum infections, and gum recession. This makes tongue scraping a good way to get rid of tooth decay and prevent periodontal disease, which causes gum recession, tooth fallout, and a host of other serious health problems. 

How to scrape your tongue

So, how to remove plaque and debris effectively? Here are some steps: 

  • In the morning upon waking up, and on an empty stomach, head over to your bathroom sink.
  • To reduce debris, brush and floss first, then take out your tongue scraper.
  • Simply grasp the two ends of the scraper in both hands, stick out your tongue, and place the scraper as far back on your tongue as comfortably feasible while standing in front of a mirror.
  • Scrape the surface of your tongue in one long stroke, from back to front, using strong but mild pressure.
  • Submerge the scraper in water to clean it.
  • Rep until your tongue is free of coating and feels clean. It normally takes five to ten swipes.

Where to buy a tongue scraper 

Tongue scrapers are not expensive devices that can be found at most health food stores as well as online. Just choose a stainless steel scraper over a plastic one, since they’re easier to clean and are ideal for fixing all inner imbalances. Also, don’t forget to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning and dental checkup regularly. Your teeth and gums will thank you!