Tongue scraping

A one-minute step I added to my morning routine.

Part of my Wellbeing Toolbox.

• Anna’s Wellbeing Tool: Tongue scraping — my go-to for a truly clean mouth feeling, even after brushing and flossing.

  
  

• What it is: A traditional Ayurvedic self-care practice that involves removing the coating from the tongue with a specialized tool.

  
  

• Practitioner needed: No — done at home, on your own.

  
  

• How it works: According to Ayurvedic tradition, the body processes the previous day’s intake overnight, which is thought to be reflected in the coating on the tongue. Scraping the tongue each morning is considered part of removing that buildup before starting the day. 

• Evidence on tongue scraping is limited, though some small studies suggest it can help reduce the bacteria associated with bad breath, more so than brushing alone. Beyond that, most of what’s claimed about it comes from tradition rather than research. This article reflects my personal experience, not medical guidance.

  
  

• What it can help with: Bad breath, a cleaner-feeling mouth, and possibly a modest improvement in taste perception.

  
  

• Technique used: A tongue scraper (I personally prefer copper), used gently from back to front as part of my oral hygiene routine. It takes about a minute.

  
  

• Who it’s not for: Opinions vary even among dental professionals — my own sister, a dentist, is cautious about it, mainly due to concerns about irritating or damaging the tongue’s surface if done too roughly or too often. If you have a sensitive tongue or any oral health concerns, check with a dentist first, and go gently.

  
  

• How it helps me: Leaves my mouth feeling properly clean, refreshes my breath, and takes almost no extra time.

  
  

• How often I use it: Twice a day, after each brushing.

  
  

My Experience

Even after flossing and brushing, I often felt like my mouth needed something more. That’s what led me to tongue scraping.

Before starting, I did some research and talked to professionals. Opinions vary quite a bit, even among dentists — my own sister, who is a dentist, is one of the people cautious about it. So I relied on my own sense of it instead, starting slowly and trying different scrapers and frequencies. I settled into scraping after each brushing, so usually twice a day.

I’ve tried different materials, including plastic and stainless steel, but I personally prefer copper.

It’s become a regular part of my routine, wherever I am. I even brought my copper scraper on a four-day hike through Peru, where I slept in tents and packed as light as possible. I keep a few scrapers on hand — at home and in my travel bag — so I never have to go without it.

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

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