Tongue scraping can remove bacteria and food from the top surface of the tongue. This can result in lower bacteria levels in the mouth and positively affect your overall oral health.
The surface of the tongue is rough, with tiny finger-like projections called papilla/papillae. These projections can easily trap bacteria and can build up quickly if not removed daily. This build-up can lead to bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth and also contribute to digestive issues.
Research suggests that by tongue scraping daily, you can improve your overall sense of taste. This research states that by keeping the tongue clear of debris and bacteria, your taste buds have a better ability to function more efficiently.
By tongue scraping daily, you can remove a majority of bad breath-causing bacteria. When bacteria sit on the tongue for extended periods of time, it releases foul odors that can lead to bad breath. Some studies even show that tongue scraping can be more effective at reducing bad breath than brushing alone. However, if bad breath continues to persist or is paired with symptoms of bleeding and swollen gums, periodontal disease is likely to blame.
By scraping bacteria off your tongue, you automatically reduce the number of bacteria that is living in your mouth, which you could potentially swallow or inhale. Removing them routinely helps to benefit both your gut and lung health.
While brushing and flossing continue to be the standard of care recommendation for oral hygiene, tongue scraping shouldn’t be overlooked. Especially in patients who are already immunocompromised or have existing periodontal infections. You can purchase a tongue scraper on the oral health isle at your local supermarket.