When I first discovered tongue scraping over 20 years ago and started posting about it on social media, I received a lot of backlash and comments like "just use your toothbrush" or "a teaspoon works just as well." I did try those tips, and no, they do not even come close to doing the job that a tongue scraper does at removing build-up and bacteria from the tongue in the morning. Tongue scraping is a traditional Ayurvedic practice that has been around for centuries, and once you start, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

The Ayurvedic Tradition of Tongue Scraping

Tongue scraping has a long history in Ayurvedic self-care, where it's used as a daily practice to remove 'ama', the build-up of impurities that Ayurveda associates with poor digestion and low energy.

In Ayurveda, India's traditional holistic health system, the tongue is seen as a window into what's happening in the body. Coating on the tongue is viewed as a sign that digestion hasn't fully processed what it needs to, and clearing it each morning is considered one of the simplest ways to support overall balance.

Changes in the tongue are often interpreted in relation to the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), the energies that Ayurveda believes govern how we feel, think, and function.

The Benefits of Tongue Scraping

There are around 20 billion bacteria in the mouth at any given time. While some play important roles, the tongue can collect bacteria linked to dental plaque and less-than-fresh breath. There is no question that removing that coating on the tongue leaves you with a cleaner mouth, and the science backs this up.

Research shows that using a tongue scraper is five times more effective than a toothbrush for tongue hygiene, and clinical testing has shown it can remove up to 30% more bacteria.

A 2004 clinical trial published in the Journal of Periodontology found up to a 75% reduction in volatile sulphur compounds, the primary markers of bad breath, when comparing tongue scrapers to toothbrushes. The same study noted that approximately 85% of all halitosis cases originate within the mouth, with 50% caused by tongue residue.

How to Choose a Tongue Scraper: Steel vs Copper

When choosing a tongue scraper, both copper and stainless steel are great options, and research shows that the act of tongue scraping itself is what matters most. Copper is known for its natural antimicrobial effect, with studies showing it can destroy bacteria on contact. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is highly durable and very easy to maintain.

Here are two great options:

Dr. Tung's Stainless Steel Tongue Scraper

The Dr Tung's Stainless Steel Tongue Scraper is the one that brought this traditional practice into the mainstream 30 years ago. It's made from high-grade stainless steel and helps remove coating for a fresher mouth and cleaner start to your day.

Black Chicken Remedies Cuprum Tongue Scraper

The Black Chicken Remedies Cuprum Tongue Scraper is made from solid copper, traditionally used in Ayurveda. It's beautiful, simple, and has become a part of my morning routine.

Supporting Your Ayurvedic Oral Routine

Tongue scraping is a brilliant place to start, but to really get the benefits of an Ayurvedic approach to oral care, you can team it with products that follow the same traditional principles. These products are usually made with Neem (Azadirachta indica), which has been used for centuries because of its natural antibacterial and detoxifying properties. I have written a whole guide on Neem if you want to go deeper on this fascinating ingredient.

Ayurvedic Toothpaste

Auromere make traditional Ayurvedic toothpaste using a blend of 24 barks, roots, plants and flowers, including Neem and Peelu. They're super concentrated, so you only need a tiny amount, and they're free from fluoride, sulfates, and artificial sweeteners. Here are two that I like.

The Auromere Ayurvedic Toothpaste in Fresh Mint has a clean, refreshing mint flavour and is a great everyday option. Their Mint Free Ayurvedic Toothpaste is a good option if you prefer to avoid mint or use homeopathic remedies. It has a pleasant, mild flavour without any mint, eucalyptus or menthol. Both are naturally sweetened with liquorice root.

Natural Ayurvedic Mouthwash

The Auromere Neem & Peelu Mouthwash is based on traditional Ayurvedic oral care, formulated with 23 herbal extracts including Neem and Peelu. It leaves the mouth feeling really clean and fresh.

The Weleda Ratanhia Mouthwash is a concentrated herbal rinse made with Ratanhia Root and Myrrh, traditionally used to support the gums. It also contains Sage, Eucalyptus and Peppermint essential oils for a clean, refreshing finish. Just dilute with water, a little goes a long way.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is a traditional oral care practice that involves swishing oil, usually coconut or sesame, around the mouth for 5 to 10 minutes before spitting it out. It's used to help lift bacteria and debris from the teeth, gums and tongue, leaving the mouth feeling cleaner and fresher. Here are some great products to get started.

Dr. Tung's Oil Pulling Concentrate

The Dr. Tung's Oil Pulling Concentrate is a traditional Ayurvedic oil pulling formula made with organic black sesame oil and 24 wild-harvested botanicals. Designed as a concentrate, it allows for a shorter oil pulling session than traditional methods. Made in the USA and packaged in glass. This one is currently back soon, but you can sign up to be notified when it's back in stock.

Oh Gigi Oil Pull Minty Wash

The Oh Gigi Oil Pull Minty Wash is made with food-grade organic plant oils including Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil, Black Sesame Oil, Black Seed Oil and Sunflower Oil, finished with Mint Essential Oils. It's inspired by traditional Ayurvedic oil pulling, but it can also be used like a mouthwash so it's a great way to get started with this practice.

Tongue scraping has been life-changing for me and all of these natural products have made my whole dental routine really enjoyable.