Try Tongue Scraping for a Healthier Mouth

When you think of your oral care routine, brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash might first come to mind. However, there’s another important step for cleaning your mouth.

Tongue scraping helps clean the bumpy surface of the tongue, Dr. Erin Issac, a board-certified pediatric dentist, tells HuffPost. It’s a way to remove food debris, bacteria, and fungi responsible for bad breath and infections, she adds.

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From Ayurveda to TikTok
A tongue scraper is typically a tool made of metal or plastic bent in a U shape. Another version resembles a toothbrush with loops at the end. No matter the shape or size, the goal is to gently sweep the tongue’s surface and lift away accumulated residue.

The modern-day practice has its roots in Eastern medicine. “Tongue scraping has always been very important to the ancient Indian medical system known as Ayurveda. It is based on a ‘natural’ and holistic approach to physical and mental health,” says Nicole Parmar, CEO and co-founder of the tongue scraper brand Gunkii.

Today, it’s become increasingly popular, with TikTok videos tagged “tonguescraper” capturing millions of views, according to Harper’s Bazaar. 

A Healthier Mouth and a Better Sense of Taste
Tongue scraping can support oral hygiene by helping remove buildup on the tongue and maintain the balance of bacteria in the mouth. However, it has other major benefits. The practice can reduce bad breath by removing odor-producing bacteria. In fact, it may lower levels of these bacteria more effectively than toothbrushing alone. 

Tongue scraping also decreases the presence of Streptococcus mutans, which causes tooth decay. “Moreover, preventing the build-up of excess particles and debris is a preventative measure for developing cavities, gum disease, and other dental conditions,” Dr. Reena Wadia, a dentist and RW Perio’s founder and principal gum specialist, tells Harper’s Bazaar. Tongue scraping could also help reduce plaque. It may support the immune system by helping prevent toxins from being reabsorbed into the body, Wadia adds.

This simple activity can also allow you to enjoy your meal more. By clearing residue from the tongue, scraping may help your taste buds register different flavors more clearly and improve your sense of taste. Finally, it can restore your tongue’s natural color because it diminishes debris that can cause a white coating to form on the tongue.

How to Use a Tongue Scraper
Tongue scraping should take less than 2 minutes. It’s best to do it once a day after you brush your teeth and as the final step in your oral hygiene routine.

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To try tongue scraping, stick out your tongue as much as you can without pointing it. Then hold the handle and position it on the back part of your tongue as far back as is comfortable. Apply pressure to the tongue scraper and pull it from the back to the front of your tongue. Four to eight movements should do the job. Rinse and clean your scraper and store it in a dry location after you’re done.

Better breath and a healthier mouth and gums may be just a few scrapes away. So keep your tongue scraper handy and make sure to include this important step in your oral hygiene regimen.