The benefits of tongue scraping have been known for millennia. It originated in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of ancient India, which claimed that the practice eliminated toxins from the body to promote overall well-being. Originally, tongue scrapers were made from thin strips of wood, animal bones, or even shells. Most modern tongue scraping instruments are made of stainless steel, copper, or plastic. They are used to remove bacteria, food debris, dead cells, and other harmful substances from the surface of the tongue..
Benefits of Tongue Scraping
Eliminates bacteria: As we've already seen, oral bacteria can be a real problem. Some microbes in the mouth are helpful, but others are responsible for cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup, such as Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus, for example! We know that these two bacteria are responsible for bad breath and cavities. Tongue scraping removes the outer layer of bacteria from the tongue without damaging the underlying cells. It is very effective. Combined with brushing and flossing, it can remove a significant amount of harmful bacteria.
Protects against tooth decay. When oral bacteria, food particles, lingering sugars, and plaque aren't removed, they cause numerous oral health problems, such as tooth decay. How? Bacteria feed on food debris, sugars, and other small particles. This creates an acidic oral environment that attacks tooth enamel and promotes cavities. Oral bacteria accumulate on the tongue. You can easily miss them when brushing; that's why it's advisable to use a tongue scraper.
Reduces bad breath: No one likes bad breath. It's embarrassing and sometimes very difficult to eliminate. Scraping your tongue can help. Bad breath (also called halitosis) is caused by odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. Much of this bacteria lives on the tongue, so brushing alone isn't enough to completely eliminate it. Scraping your tongue removes dead cells, bacteria, and debris, leaving your breath much fresher.
Improves overall health. Oral bacteria don't always stay in the mouth. They can enter the body and lead to other health problems, such as heart disease. Scraping your tongue removes bacteria from your mouth before it can spread. This helps strengthen your immune system. Even if harmful oral bacteria don't leave your mouth, they affect your gums and teeth, which is also harmful!
A better sense of taste. Scraping your tongue twice a day can actually improve your sense of taste. It stimulates your taste buds and refreshes your palate. You'll be able to distinguish more pronounced flavors and better differentiate between sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.
