Did you know that white coating on your tongue is home to billions of bacteria? Not just unsightly, this bacterial playground could be sabotaging your oral health and social life. Tongue cleaning might sound like just another step in an already crowded wellness routine, but trust me - this ancient practice has solid scientific backing.

This simple, one-minute addition to your morning routine isn't just about fresher breath - it's a scientifically-validated practice with benefits ranging from enhanced taste perception to improved digestive health. Once you start, you'll never know how you started your day without one! Let's explore how a humble tongue scraper might be the missing piece in your wellness puzzle.

Why Clean Your Tongue? The Benefits Explained

When it comes to scraping away the biofilm on the tongue, there is ample research to support its benefits. From improved digestive health to fresher breath and reduced harmful bacteria, this is one clear case of 'better out than in'. Tongue scraping also improves your sense of taste and supports digestion. As a 2018 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging found, "tongue cleaning, a simple technique used for oral hygiene, may be an effective way to reduce excess salt intake" by increasing taste sensitivity (Seerangaiyan et al., 2018).

The Ayurvedic Tradition of Tongue Cleaning

Tongue cleaning is best known in Ayurvedic self-care as a way to remove 'ama' or toxins from the body, though in more recent years, the benefits have been linked largely to the impact it has on the microorganisms in our bodies.

In Ayurveda, India's 5,000-year-old holistic health care system, tongue cleaning is considered an essential daily practice for maintaining oral and overall health. It is believed to remove bacteria, food debris, toxins, and dead cells from the tongue, promoting better digestion, fresher breath, and a stronger sense of taste.

This practice is often recommended in Ayurveda to balance the doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha), which are the energies that govern the body's functions. By removing ama from the tongue, it is believed to help prevent imbalances that can lead to various health issues.

Tongue Bacteria & Oral Health: The Science

An average of 20 billion bacteria live in your mouth. We're not talking about the friendly Bifidobacterium and other immune-loving varieties associated with gut health. Tongue bacteria consist more of those icky gram-positive varieties (responsible for dental plaque) and gram-negative varieties (notorious for their bad smell).

As a 2019 study in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology noted, "regular tongue hygiene both selects for a favourable microbiome and 'revs up' the activity of the community" (Tribble et al., 2019).

Tongue Scraping Benefits: What Research Shows

Fresher Breath: Tongue scraping helps remove bacteria and debris that cause bad breath, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean. A 2001 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that "tongue cleaner and tongue scraper reduced oral VSC levels more than the toothbrush" (Seemann et al., 2001). Volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) are the primary cause of bad breath. So, if you're looking for fresher breath, a tongue scraper might be your new best friend!

Improved Digestion: A 2017 randomised controlled trial concluded that tongue cleaning may be an effective method to improve digestive function. The study, which involved 57 healthy adults, suggests that it may be a beneficial practice for those seeking to support their digestive system.

Enhanced Taste: Believe it or not, tongue cleaning can actually enhance your sense of taste! A 2018 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging evaluated the effect of tongue cleaning on taste perception, showing that taste sensation improved significantly after tongue cleaning (Seerangaiyan et al., 2018). Another study from 2021 concluded that "fourteen days of mechanical tongue cleaning can improve gustatory functions" (Timmesfeld et al., 2021).

Better Oral Health: Research has shown that tongue cleaning can significantly reduce the bacterial load on the tongue, leading to better oral hygiene. Using a tongue scraper can be particularly effective at reducing bacteria associated with gum inflammation, according to a 2019 study in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology that found "tongue cleaning both selects for a favourable microbiome and 'revs up' the activity of the community" (Tribble et al., 2019).

How to Choose a Tongue Scraper: Steel vs Copper

If you're ready to kickstart a tongue cleaning routine, consider this a quick additional step to your twice-daily oral hygiene routine. It all starts by choosing the right tool. PSA: If you're considering simply cleaning your tongue with a toothbrush, experts advise against it... Metal tongue cleaners work significantly better for bacterial removal.

Both stainless steel and copper tongue scrapers offer distinct advantages. Stainless steel scrapers are more durable, easier to clean, and don't tarnish over time - making them practical for everyday use. They're also dishwasher-safe and typically last longer.

Copper scrapers, on the other hand, have natural antimicrobial properties that can help fight bacteria. Traditional Ayurvedic practitioners often prefer copper for this reason. While copper requires more maintenance to prevent tarnishing, many users appreciate its antimicrobial benefits and traditional connection to Ayurvedic practices.

Here are 2 best sellers that I love and use personally:

Dr. Tung's Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner

The Dr Tung's Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner is the original tongue cleaning tool that introduced this ancient practice to the mainstream market over 30 years ago. Crafted from high-grade stainless steel, this cleaner is designed to thoroughly remove build-up on the tongue for a cleaner mouth and fresher breath.

Black Chicken Remedies Cuprum Tongue Cleaner

The Black Chicken Remedies Cuprum Tongue Cleaner features solid copper known for its natural antimicrobial properties. Based on ancient Ayurvedic wellness practices, this traditional tool provides effective removal of tongue coating and bacteria that cause bad breath.

How to Use a Tongue Scraper: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Best timing: Tongue cleaning is best done first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking anything. Research published in Clinical Oral Investigations recommends regular morning tongue cleaning as part of oral hygiene practice (Acar et al., 2019).
2. Proper technique: Place the scraper as far back on the tongue as comfortable, then gently pull from the back to the front 3-5 times.
3. What to expect: This will remove some residue, and depending on factors like dehydration, current colds and flus, or even toxic load from lifestyle factors, this amount may be substantial or minimal.
4. Follow-up care: Make sure you wash your scraper thoroughly after each use, dry it completely, and store it in a clean place.
5. Routine integration: Follow up with your usual oral hygiene steps of brushing, flossing, etc. Repeat the process at night for optimal results.

Complete Your Natural Dental Care Routine

What's the perfect natural dental routine to complement tongue cleaning? Consider adding these practices for overall oral health:

• Natural toothpaste: Look for natural, herbal and plant based toothpastes free from fluoride. My favourite is this Weleda Salt Toothpaste that actually cleans the teeth by stimulating natural salivation while brushing (Amazing).
• Ayurvedic mouthwash: Products like the Auromere Ayurvedic Neem Peelu Mouthwash use traditional herbs like neem and peelu to support oral health naturally.
• Oil pulling: Black Chicken Remedies Oral Swishing Oil combines organic coconut oil with therapeutic-grade essential oils for this detoxifying practice, another traditional Ayurvedic technique for oral health.
• Natural floss: Choose dental floss options made from sustainable materials that are free from harmful chemicals.

Explore a complete range of natural dental care products to build a comprehensive, toxin-free oral care routine. By incorporating these practices daily, you can enjoy a brighter, healthier smile and fresher breath. Regular tongue hygiene "both selects for a favourable microbiome and 'revs up' the activity of the community" (Tribble et al., 2019).

Want to learn more about Ayurvedic wellness practices? Check out our guide on how to incorporate Ayurveda into your daily routine or explore the ancient art of dry body brushing.