Fresh Breath, Fewer Cavities, and Better Tasting Food: Dentists Reveal Benefits of Tongue Scraping
Regular brushing and flossing alone can't remove all of the bacteria in your mouth
When it comes to oral hygiene, brushing your teeth and flossing are probably the first things that come to mind. However, bacteria can also build up on your tongue, and cleaning it is just as crucial for good dental health. Here, dentists share the benefits of tongue scraping, what causes tongue discoloration and how you can tell if your mouth needs a deeper scrub.
What is tongue scraping?
“Tongue scraping is a simple yet effective way to remove bacteria, dead cells and other debris from the surface of your tongue,” says Whitney White, DMD, dentist and practice owner at Aspen Dental. It’s a gentle process you can do from the comfort of home to improve your overall oral health. .
To do this, you’ll need a tongue scraper—an instrument that gets to the back of your tongue to remove bacteria that builds up over time.
“When choosing a scraper, consider your comfort level, the material and ease of cleaning,” says Ilona Casellini, DMD, Founder and Owner of Swiss Quality Smile in Westwood, Los Angeles. “Stainless steel, plastic and copper scrapers are usually recommended for their effectiveness, durability and ability to keep clean after use.”
The benefits of tongue scraping for oral hygiene
According to Karen Man, DDS, owner and operator at Smile Grove Dental, excess build-up on your tongue, also known as biofilm, causes bad breath and can contribute to other oral health issues.
Scraping your tongue and “addressing oral bacteria can lead to fresher breath and a cleaner mouth, potentially lessening your risk of cavities, gum inflammation and other health issues,” she says.
Why is it worth making tongue scraping part of your daily oral routine? Our experts say regular brushing and flossing don’t remove all the bacteria from your mouth, and they can thrive on a warm, moist tongue.
“A clean tongue can help prevent infections like thrush, a fungal infection that can cause white patches on your tongue,” adds Dr. White. She notes that regular tongue scraping also indirectly benefits your gums. Reducing the amount of bacteria in your mouth lessens the risk of gum disease.
One more perk: Your food might taste better. Yes, it’s true! “Tongue scraping helps improve your sense of taste by exposing the taste buds that were covered in plaque,” says Dr. Casellini.
Should you try tongue scraping?
While everyone benefits from tongue scraping, it can be especially helpful if you notice a white, yellow or brown coating on your tongue. Troublemaking bacteria and other microorganisms often cause these coatings or films, and persistent bad breath or a sticky feeling in your mouth indicates that you may need to use a tongue scraper.
We all have coatings from time to time, says Dr. Man. However, she notes that the key is to watch for changes. “If the coating doesn’t clear up with good hygiene or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult a dentist,” she says.
Dr. Casellini says to remember that “between 50 percent and 90 percent of bacteria live on the tongue, so it’s important to keep it clean.”
What’s coating your tongue, anyway?
The coating on your tongue can vary based on your diet, oral hygiene habits and overall health l. Dr. White breaks down what causes common colors of tongue discoloration:
- White: “This can be caused by bacteria, dead cells or a fungal infection like thrush,” she says.
- Yellow: “This is often a sign of excessive bacteria buildup.”
- Brown: “This may indicate a more serious condition, such as heavy smoking or certain medications.”
How to get the benefits of tongue scraping
Ready to reap the rewards of a cleaner tongue? There’s no need to scrape too hard or too much. Dr. White says that scraping your tongue once a day is usually sufficient. These tools apply more pressure than a regular toothbrush and can reach the crevices and folds of the tongue, which helps to remove even more bacteria.
Simply stick out your tongue and place the scraper as far back on your tongue as you comfortably can. Keeping the scraper flat against your tongue, very gently pull it forward toward the front of your tongue to remove build-up. Rinse the scraper under warm water, then repeat until you’ve cleaned the entire top of your tongue.
Need a visual guide? Check out the video below to get started!
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