Should we all be tongue scraping now? (2024)

From dentists to the A-list, many declare tongue scraping an understated but crucial addition to their oral hygiene routine. But while the practice may be increasingly mainstream (with TikTok videos tagged 'tonguescraper' amassing 253M views and counting), tongue scraping is actually an ancient Ayurvedic self-care concept.

"Ayurveda is a system of detoxification and replenishment,” explains Anita Kaushal co-founder of Mauli Rituals. “As crude as it sounds, we say: wherever there is a hole/exit point, is where detoxification can and should happen. As well as the obvious, we cleanse our eyes through blinking, we blow our noses – and so on. Scraping gets rid of the bacteria that builds up on the tongue’s surface, whereas leaving the bacteria causes gum disease, bad breath and beyond that, this gunk is taken back into the system to cause more ‘ama’ (disease).” In Ayurveda, “tongue scraping has always been fundamental – it’s cheap and quick, so everyone can afford it,” she adds.

Dentist Dr Reena Wadia, RW Perio's founder and principal gum specialist, endorses the cleansing effects of tongue scraping from an oral health perspective. “Your tongue is like a sponge where bad bacteria, debris, and food particles can get trapped, leading to unpleasant consequences if left unattended,” she notes. This unwanted build-up can result in bad breath (halitosis), plaque build-up, and even tooth decay, the renowned dental expert tells Bazaar. Given that “your tongue has an irregular surface full of cracks and crevices where extra particles can get trapped, like a carpet, it needs to be cleaned regularly”.

Enter the tongue scraper, a simple tool usually made from plastic or metal that is designed to be dragged along your tongue. “This removes the build-up of extra particles from the surface of your tongue,” Dr Wadia explains.

What are the benefits of tongue scraping?

As mentioned by both authorities on the subject, the main benefit of tongue scraping is to help combat any build-up that is detrimental to your oral hygiene. “Tongue scraping maintains the balance of bacteria in your mouth by removing any excess bacteria, as well as leftover food particles and debris,” Dr Wadia confirms.

In addition, she lists other benefits of tongue scraping:

• Improved bad breath (halitosis): “Bad breath is due to bacteria trapped on the surface of the tongue. This bacteria produces sulphur compounds – which are responsible for the bad odours. Tongue scraping significantly reduces the presence of this bacteria compared to toothbrushing alone.”
• Remove of bacteria Streptococcus mutans: “Besides removing odour-producing bacteria, tongue scraping also reduces the presence of Streptococcus mutans, which is known to cause 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.”
• Plaque reduction: “Regular tongue scraping is effective in reducing plaque, a sticky deposit on teeth in which bacteria proliferate.”
• Enhanced taste buds: “Excess debris can obstruct your taste buds' ability to distinguish between bitter, sweet, salty and sour sensations. Using a tongue scraper consistently to remove debris has been proven to improve your sense of taste.”
• Boosted immunity: “Tongue scraping can prevent toxins from being reabsorbed into the body and, overall, boosts your immune system.”
• Improved tongue appearance: “A build-up of debris can cause a white coating to form on the tongue; tongue scraping can remove this coating and restore your tongue to its normal colour.”

How effective is a tongue scraper?

It is believed that tongue scraping is effective when performed consistently. “If you want to see results you must scrape your tongue regularly,” upholds Dr Wadia.

While it may be more convenient to clean your tongue with your toothbrush, this might not have the same impact. “While your oral hygiene will improve overall if you add tongue-cleaning to your routine – using a tongue scraper is especially effective,” she explains.

“A tongue scraper is structured to fit the natural shape of your tongue and this design maximises its effectiveness against removing excess bacteria, debris, and particle build-up.” Research has shown that a tongue scraper can reduce 30 per cent more sulphur-producing bacteria than a toothbrush, the dentist adds.

How do you use a tongue scraper properly?

Tongue-scraping is not a lengthy process and should take less than two minutes to perform, Dr Wadia advises. Performed once a day, the best time to use a tongue scraper is after you brush your teeth as the last step in your oral care regime.

Here’s how:

1. Open your mouth and stick out your tongue as far as possible. Avoid pointing your tongue as this decreases surface area and makes scraping less effective.
2. Holding the handle of the tongue scraper, place it on the back part of your tongue (as far back as is comfortable).
3. Applying firm pressure to the tongue scraper, in one slow smooth motion, pull the scraper from the back of your tongue to the front. A maximum number of four to eight movements should be enough.
4. Rinse the scraper after each stroke and clean it after use, storing it dry. Follow your product’s instructions for the best way to disinfect it periodically.

Can tongue scraping be dangerous?

While tongue-scraping has many health benefits, Dr Wadia warns that it is not a replacement for brushing your teeth. “You should be using a tongue scraper as a beneficial addition to ensure optimum levels of oral health,” she says, adding that you should be brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash afterwards.

In terms of safety when using a tongue scraper, she says to avoid pushing and pulling it too forcefully over your tongue. “The tongue is a resilient organ, but tongue-scraping too harshly or too often can damage your taste buds and even cause bleeding. Be gentle, but firm. Be consistent, but not overly frequent.”

The best tongue scrapers

Later this summer, Dr Wadia is launching The Tongue Scraper, made of stainless steel with a clean-cut finish to ensure precise effectiveness. Already used in her 75 Harley Street clinic, the tool brings together her knowledge of traditional Ayurvedic self-care with cutting-edge dentistry. Meanwhile, we recommend the following plastic-free tools for at-home use: