Tongue scraping

Tongue scraping is a practice designed to remove the coating from the tongue with a specialized tool.

This is a traditional part of Ayurvedic self-care, meant to prevent toxins from the tongue from re-entering the digestive system.

My well-being improvement technique.

Why

Even after flossing and brushing, I felt that my mouth still need more cleaning. This is where tongue scraping comes in. 

The Ayurvedic perspective suggests that overnight, the body processes the previous day's intake, forming toxins that appear as a coating on the tongue. Scraping this coating first thing in the morning is thought to prevent these toxins from being reabsorbed by the body.

The benefits of tongue scraping:

Removes bacteria

Reduces bad breath

Improves taste

My personal reasons for tongue scraping:

Enhances my well-being

Provides a fresh feeling in the mouth

Is quick and easy to integrate into my daily routine

How

After flossing and brushing, stick the tongue out and gently run the scraper across your tongue from back to front. Rinse the scraper and the mouth afterward. This takes about one minute.

Choosing a scraper:

Scrapers come in various materials, including plastic, steel, and copper. The copper one feels best for me.

My experience

Before starting with tongue scraping, I did some research and consulted professionals. Opinions on the practice can vary, even among dentists.

Some recommend it, while others are concerned about potential damage to the tongue. My sister, who is a dentist, happens to be among those who are cautious about tongue scraping.

I relied on my own feeling and started slowly, trying different scrapers and different frequencies. I ended up scraping after each tooth brushing, so usually twice a day.

I've made tongue scraping a regular part of my routine, no matter where I am. 

I even brought my copper scraper along on a 4-day hike through Peru, where I slept in tents and packed light.  

Having several scrapers on hand – both at home and in my travel bag – ensures I never have to go without this simple yet refreshing practice.

Disclaimer: This information is based on personal experience and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have concerns, consult with a healthcare professional.