Tongue Scraping: An Effective Practice?

Tongue scraping is part of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing system. It involves scraping build-up off the tongue, usually first thing in the morning. The alleged benefits of tongue scraping include removing toxins and reducing bad breath—a benefit that modern research has confirmed. However, scraping your tongue too often can disrupt the microbiome in your mouth.

Tongue Scraping’s Origins

The practice of tongue scraping originated in the traditional system of medicine of India. According to Ayurveda, a person should scrape their tongue five to seven times first thing in the morning, before drinking water, eating, or brushing your teeth.

Possible Benefits

People who practice Ayurveda believe that tongue scraping can remove toxins that build up overnight. They also believe that tongue scraping reduces bad breath—something that modern research confirms (although you can also get the same benefit from brushing your teeth).

People who practice Ayurveda also believe it’s important to pay close attention to the color of your tongue as an indicator of health. Changes in tongue color can indicate diabetes or anemia. White or red patches on the tongue can be a sign of oral thrush, a type of fungal infection. Tongue scraping encourages you to look at your tongue daily.

Is Tongue Scraping Somehow Unsafe?

In most cases, tongue scraping isn’t harmful. However, doing it too often can have negative health consequences. The most likely is the risk of irritating your tongue.

In addition, it’s possible that scraping your tongue can impact your oral microbiome, the balance of bacteria in your mouth.

Helpful bacteria on the back of the tongue break down foods into nitrates, a compound that produces nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps control blood pressure, so it’s theoretically possible that too much tongue scraping could contribute to rising blood pressure. While research on tongue scraping and its effects on blood pressure are lacking, studies on antimicrobial mouthwash shows a similar impact.

What Does the ADA Say About Tongue Scraping?

Although there is no evidence to suggest that tongue scraping will prevent bad breath, if you feel better after scraping your tongue, you can keep it up.

The ADA advises that brushing twice a day, including brushing your tongue, is sufficient for keeping your mouth healthy, when combined with daily flossing, a healthy diet, and regular dental checkups.

Tongue Signs: When to Use a Scraper

If you’re following Ayurveda, you should scrape your tongue in the morning, before eating or drinking anything (including water).

How to Start Tongue Scraping

To start, you will need to purchase a scraper. Most scrapers are plastic, stainless steel, or copper, and you may need to experiment to find the type that you like best.

When you’re ready to scrape your tongue, follow these steps:

• Don’t eat or drink when you wake up.
• Stand in front of a mirror and extend your tongue. Let it relax.
• Look for any buildup or color changes on your tongue.
• Scrape your tonguestarting at the back and moving forward. Remember to be firm but gentle.
• Rinse the tongue scraper in running water to remove any build-up.
• Repeat this five to seven times, scraping the entire surface of the tongue.
• Brush and floss your teeth afterward.

In Addition to Tongue Scraping

It’s always important to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Remember, tongue scraping isn’t a substitute for brushing.

In addition, it’s important to see a dentist regularly. Dentists can help screen you for tongue diseases and other health conditions. In addition, if you notice any changes to your tongue while tongue scraping, ask your dentist if they are cause for concern.

Summary

Tongue scraping is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that promises to reduce bad breath and remove toxins. Research shows that it can reduce bad breath at similar rates to brushing your tongue with a toothbrush. Tongue scraping is generally safe, although it could in theory lead to changes in your mouth microbiome. If you’re tongue scraping, you should still brush your teeth and floss twice a day, and see a dentist regularly.