06-04-2025
Tongue scraping is a simple oral cleaning method which involves running a scraping tool across your tongue’s surface to remove bacteria and food particles. Though it tends to be a lesser-used step in an oral cleaning routine, tongue scraping has several benefits, including an improved sense of taste, a cleaner tongue, and better breath. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of tongue scraping, how to use a tongue scraper effectively, and delve into some common misconceptions about tongue scraping.
Key Takeaways
- Tongue scraping removes excess debris and bacteria from your tongue.
- When performed correctly, tongue scraping can improve bad breath, help you taste more clearly, and remove bacteria.
- Tongue scraping should be done in addition to your usual oral routine; it does not act as a replacement for brushing or flossing.
What is Tongue Scraping?
Tongue scraping involves running a tool along your tongue’s surface to remove particles, including food, bacteria, and dead skin cells. The practice of tongue scraping has been around for hundreds of years, with some ancient cultures using tools made from ivory and whalebones as tongue scrapers.
Nowadays, tongue scraping looks a little different, and specialised tools are used to remove debris from the tongue. As well as functioning as a tongue cleaner, scrapers can also improve your breath and sense of taste, providing a boost to your all-around oral hygiene.
Tongue scraping cannot replace brushing or other elements of your oral hygiene routine, but it can add to it and help improve oral health in the long and short term.
How to Use a Tongue Scraper
If you have been looking for ways to improve your oral care, then tongue scraping might be just what you need. But, before you begin, it is important to know how to clean your tongue using a scraper properly:
1. Choose a Scraper:
Before answering the question ‘how do you use a tongue scraper’, it is important to pick the right tool. Take the time to browse tongue scrapers and settle on one that suits your needs and potential allergies (avoid stainless steel if metal irritates your mouth).
2. Examine your Tongue:
Stand in front of a mirror and extend your tongue. In most cases, you won't be able to see debris on it clearly, but it is important to be able to see your tongue so you can get full coverage with your tongue scraper.
3. Start From the Back:
Most bacteria in the mouth builds up at the back of the tongue, so starting at the rear is important to get rid of any large deposits.
Place the rounded edge of your tongue scraper at the rear of your mouth and gently begin to move it forward, scraping dirt and debris from the rear of your tongue.
4. Scrape to the Tip:
It is important to clean the whole tongue, from the rear to the front tip. Slowly and firmly move your tongue scraper toward the tip, always going in this direction and never the reverse.
Once it has passed over the entire tongue, clean the tongue scraper with warm water and a towel.
5. Repeat and Rinse Your Mouth:
Repeat the process 3-5 times, or until you feel each area of your tongue has been adequately scraped. Then, clean your tongue scraper with soap and warm water and rinse your mouth with a gargle of mouthwash.
Tongue scraping can be added to your oral care routine alongside brushing your teeth. Most people will scrape their tongue twice daily, just as with toothbrushing – once in the morning and once before bed.
Benefits of Tongue Scraping
If you are wondering why you should add this extra step to your oral care routine, then you may be interested to know that there are several benefits of tongue scraping. Key tongue scraping benefits include:
Better Breath: Often, what causes bad breath will be trapped food and bacteria particles in the mouth and on the tongue. Tongue scraping helps remove the trapped particles that toothbrushing alone may not, meaning it is a great answer to the question of how to get rid of bad breath.
Clearer Taste: Removing debris from your tongue’s surface may enhance your taste, as taste buds are not blocked or dulled.
Less Bacteria: The tongue is often home to buildups of bacteria, and scraping it clean can remove these, potentially lowering your risk of oral infection and tooth decay.
Long-Term Oral Care Improvements: Our oral health is linked to the wider health of our body, and tongue scraping can remove harmful particles that contribute to conditions such as gum disease and tooth cavities.
Side Effects and Risks of Tongue Scraping
With the range of benefits on offer, it is natural to wonder if there are any tongue scraping side effects to consider. As far as risks are concerned, there are relatively few to worry about when it comes to tongue scraping.
When getting used to the practice, it is possible to trigger your gag reflex as the tongue scraper is placed at the back of the tongue and near the back of the throat. To combat this and reduce your risk of vomiting, start from a section of the tongue that is comfortable for you and does not trigger your gag reflex. As days go on and you become more familiar with the sensation, move your start point back at a comfortable pace.
Another risk could be cutting your tongue. While you cannot stop the risk of this completely, you can minimise it by inspecting your tongue scraper before every use, checking for rough edges that could nick you. You should also take care not to apply too much pressure, and never move your tongue scraper backward along the tongue.
Misconceptions about Tongue Scraping
As it is a relatively underused part of oral care, there are several misconceptions around tongue scraping that have worked their way into the general understanding of the practice. It is important to bear the following in mind when considering whether to use a tongue scraper or not:
Brushing your tongue is not a suitable alternative, as tongue scrapers are specifically designed to remove bacteria and debris from the crevasses of the tongue in a way a toothbrush is not.
Correctly performed tongue scraping should NOT damage your tongue. When the correct amount of pressure is applied, and the tongue scraper is used carefully, it will not damage your tongue or taste buds.
Tongue scraping is not an alternative to flossing, brushing, or using mouthwash. Elements of an oral care routine complement each other and do not act as alternatives; what is removed by tongue scraping is missed by tooth brushing and vice versa.
Tongue scraping does not solve bad breath. Whilst it helps, it will not solve the condition on its own or after a single use. Consistent tongue scraping can reduce bad breath, but a single use will not be overly effective.
Tongue scrapers are not all the same; each scraper will have its own benefits and suitability to your needs. Browse thoroughly before choosing your tongue scraper.
Complete Your Routine with Oral-B
Tongue scraping offers a perfect complement to a good oral care routine. By cleaning your tongue with a specially designed tool, you can further minimise the buildup of bacteria in the mouth and help improve taste and your breath.
However, to get the most from tongue scraping, it’s essential to pair it with a strong oral care routine. The iO Series removes more plaque than a manual brush.
While at-home care is crucial, regular dental visits are just as important for long-term oral health. With Oral-B and the iO Series, you can be confident in your routine and keep your mouth in the best shape possible.
FAQs
How often should I scrape my tongue?
Does tongue scraping replace brushing and flossing?
Can tongue scraping help prevent oral health issues?
Is tongue scraping suitable for everyone?
Sources
About Our Medical Reviewers
Dr Robert Lee is a dentist with more than thirty years of experience in the industry. Graduating from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and from the University of New South Wales with a Master of Business Administration, Robert’s career has taken him all over the world – from Australia to Germany to his current position in Chicago, where he is the founder of Denticus Inc., offering strategic dental consulting. Robert has previously worked for Procter & Gamble as the Director of Professional Scientific Relations in both the Cincinnati and Sydney offices, being responsible for external relations and scientific exchange with leading professional associations and industry thought leaders. He was also responsible for all technical and scientific training for the professional teams in North America and Australia. Robert has been assisting the team at Oral-B by fact-checking and reviewing our blogs on dental health.
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