Oral hygiene is essential to overall health, yet many overlook an essential component: the tongue.
Brushing and flossing are among the most important oral hygiene practices, but so is tongue scraping.
It is an age-old technique with its own set of significant health benefits. But, if you are unfamiliar with the benefits of tongue scraping, you are not alone.
Tongue scraping is instrumental in expanding your ordinary oral hygiene practice to an effective one. In this article, we will discuss the details of tongue scraping and why it might be the secret to optimal oral health.
What is Tongue Scraping?
- Tongue scraping is the process of using a scraper to remove debris, bacteria, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue. The main goal of this technique is to enhance oral hygiene.
- History of Tongue Scraping: The act of scraping the tongue dates back to the practice of Ayurveda. It is a traditional Indian medicine whose roots extend back around 3000 years in history. Tongue scraping is a general technique used in Ayurveda. It falls under the purview of Daily Oral Care Routine practices since the science of Ayurveda mainly deals with the well-being of human life. Experts spoke about tongue scraping to achieve good hygiene and improve the health of the teeth and stomach. For centuries, people of different nations have included the practice in their culture.
- Materials Used for Tongue Scraping: You need a special instrument known as a tongue scraper for scraping. It effectively cleans the tongue better than a toothbrush. Tongue scrapers are usually made of stainless steel, copper, plastic, or silicone. Each of these materials has its benefits and drawbacks. However, stainless steel and copper are preferred due to their antimicrobial nature and ability to withstand harsh conditions.
The Surprising Benefits of Tongue Scraping
Removal of Bacteria and Toxins
One of the main advantages of this technique is the removal of bacteria and toxins. Countless crevices on the surface of the tongue allow bacteria to grow, which is highly associated with oral conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, and foul smell.
However, these bacteria are effectively removed with daily tongue scraping, reducing the risk of various oral infections and making the oral cavity considerably clean.
Prevention of Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, is a relatively widespread problem that can create awkwardness and loneliness.
The actual cause of stinking breath is bacteria and food particles on the tongue’s surface. Bacterial-induced tooth damage results in VSCs (volatile sulfur compounds), which contribute to foul smell.
Tongue scraping efficiently removes bacteria and debris that produce VSCs and provides fresh breath. Therefore, integrating tongue scraping into your daily schedule is essential because it boosts your confidence.
Enhancement of Taste Buds and Improved Digestion
Another unexpected benefit of tongue scraping is that it makes your taste buds work better. Over time, food debris and dead cells pile up on your tongue, making it harder to taste things.
When you clean your tongue often, you get rid of this stuff, which lets your taste buds do their job. This doesn’t just make food more enjoyable – it also helps you with mindful eating since you’ll feel the flavors better.
Improved taste sensation can also contribute to better digestion. When you can fully taste your food, it stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, which are important for breaking down food effectively.
Moreover, the act of scraping the tongue can stimulate saliva production, which further aids digestion. Therefore, a clean tongue is believed to promote better digestion and overall health, as it helps the body process nutrients more efficiently.
How to Incorporate Tongue Scraping into Your Daily Routine?
As discussed before, tongue scrapers are made of different materials. Each material has its benefits.
Therefore, you should know briefly about the materials used to make an informed decision. If you do not want to put much effort into it, simply ask your dentist. He will guide you to the perfect choice of scrapper based on your personal needs and preferences.
For those who want to decide, here is a brief guide about the materials used.
Stainless steel is often the most preferred material based on its sturdiness and ability to kill bacteria. Copper also offers similar benefits. Therefore, the choice between stainless steel and copper is usually based on personal preference. On the other hand, plastic and silicone scrapers are more flexible and gentle.
When selecting a tongue scraper, consider ease of use, comfort, and material.
Many also find that a U-shaped scraper provides the best control and effectiveness. Try out different techniques and materials and see what works best for you.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tongue Scraping
- Start with a clean tongue scraper. Rinse it under warm water before use.
- Open your mouth and stick out your tongue. This will give you full access to the surface of your tongue.
- Place the scraper at the back of your tongue. Be gentle, and don’t place it too far back to avoid gagging.
- Gently scrape forward. Apply gentle pressure and pull the scraper from the back to the front of your tongue. Rinse the scraper under water after each pass to remove debris.
- Repeat as necessary. Typically, 5-10 strokes are sufficient to clean the tongue thoroughly.
- Rinse your mouth and the scraper. After scraping, rinse your mouth with water and clean your scraper before storing it.
Frequency and Best Time for Tongue Scraping
Ideally, you should use a tongue scraper 1-2 times daily, maybe in the morning after brushing your teeth but before you eat or drink anything.
This assists in washing out bacteria and toxins that may have settled on the surface throughout the night. You can also add tongue scraping to your bedtime oral hygiene routine.
Tongue Scraping and Overall Health
The oral cavity is the gateway to the human body. Therefore, poor oral health is often associated with the risk of many diseases. Tongue scraping protects against oral and systemic disease by maintaining oral hygiene. It reduces bacterial load and minimizes toxin accumulation in the human body.
Impact of Tongue Scraping on Cardiovascular Health
A study published in the Scientific Reports Journal by Kotronia and colleagues revealed a positive association between poor oral health and the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Although the exact linking factor is not known, it is believed that poor oral hygiene leads to a buildup of bacteria. These bacteria enter the bloodstream and damage different organs all over the body. One of the most affected organs is the human heart, leading to life-threatening cardiovascular diseases.
Thus, tongue scraping, which decreases the amount of bacteria in the oral cavity, can lower this risk. Although it cannot be considered a replacement for other measures to maintain the cardiovascular system, it is a minor step that can be added to help.
Potential Reduction of Inflammation and Risk of Respiratory Infections
Tongue scraping helps remove bacteria and toxins from the tongue. Thus, these pathogens cannot be easily inhaled into the lungs. This, in turn, can reduce the susceptibility to respiratory infections and inflammation, which can lead to better health.
Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of Tongue Scraping
Remember that proper hygiene of your tongue scraper is just as important as the hygiene of your oral cavity. Clean your tongue scraper before and after use. Clean it occasionally with a solution of water and vinegar in warm water or mild antibacterial soap.
Scraping the tongue should be part of the general oral hygiene routine. Use it in conjunction with proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash, and your dental health will be in its best shape. All the practices work hand in hand, making sure that the mouth is always clean and is rid of bad bacteria.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Tongue Scraping
There are some points to remember while using a tongue scraper. Your tongue is made up of delicate tissues.
Therefore, you should avoid applying too much pressure as it can damage those tissues and lead to inflammation and irritation. Also, make sure you scrape your tongue from the back and sides and do not just stick to the center. When you are skipping these areas, you can leave behind bacteria and reduce the effectiveness of the practice.
Final Thoughts
Tongue scraping is an excellent addition to your daily routine if you truly want to maintain top-notch health of your oral cavity. However, the benefits of tongue scraping are not limited to the mouth only. It was also observed that tongue scraping, by maintaining optimal oral health, boosts overall health and well-being.
