Tongue Scraping: An Ayurvedic Practice for Detox & Oral Health

Tongue scraping or ‘Jiwah Prakshalan,’ is an ancient Ayurveda practice of tongue cleaning. It is an integral part of oral care and promotes “Ayurvedic detox,” which aims to expel impurities from the body. Research indicates that nearly 3.5 billion people are affected by oral diseases annually. Moreover, stomatology led researchers to discover the link between oral and overall health.

In this article, we discuss the benefits of tongue scraping and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine.

What Is Tongue Scraping?

Have you ever examined your tongue in the mirror as part of a self-care or oral care routine? In Ayurveda, tongue scraping is called ‘Jiwah Prakshalan,’ which involves a gentle tongue cleaning process with a u-shaped tool or a scraper, removing all debris, harmful toxins (Ama), and bacteria accumulated on the surface of the tongue. Having its roots in ancient India about 3000 years ago, this ancient practice has recently gained a lot of popularity.

According to oral health practitioners, removing all toxins during tongue cleaning promotes wellness. Due to its antibacterial benefits, ayurvedic practices emphasize using tongue scrapers made of gold, silver, copper, bronze, tortoiseshell, ivory, wood, bamboo, and even animal bone.

Tongue scraping is an essential daily oral care routine that includes brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. It is one of the best Ayurvedic practices and needs to be cultivated from a young age.

The Science Behind Tongue Scraping

Scientific studies have revealed how tongue cleaning dramatically reduces bad breath. One study finds that oral malodor is the most common reason for dental caries and periodontal diseases, which affect the psychological and social life of individuals. It suggests the need to follow oral hygiene measures like regular flossing, tongue cleaning, using appropriate mouthwash and toothpaste.

Another study proposes tongue brushing and scraping as excellent tongue cleaning methods while highlighting the importance of practicing them daily. Effective twice a day brushing reduces the bacterial load in the oral cavity.

Supplementing brushing with routine tongue cleaning significantly improves dental health, breath freshness and overall hygiene. Additionally, it removes toxins (ama) accumulated on the dorsum due to weak metabolism and thus enhances taste perception.

Connection to Overall Health

Tongue scraping plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced oral microbiome and preventing various health issues.

Poor oral hygiene has been associated with digestive issues, weakened immunity, and increased risks of systemic diseases. Removing bacteria from the tongue helps maintain a balanced oral microbiome, supporting overall well-being.

Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

The tongue harbors bacteria and food debris that can interfere with digestion. These contribute to poor enzyme activity in the mouth, decreasing the effectiveness of salivary enzymes in breaking down food. Regularly scraping the tongue removes unwanted buildup, enhancing better taste perception and saliva production, which are essential for digestion.

Immune System Support

The oral cavity defends against pathogens. A well-maintained oral microbiome prevents the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that could compromise immunity. Tongue scraping helps reduce toxin accumulation, contributing to the body’s natural detoxification processes and lowering the risk of systemic infections in the mouth.

Systemic Health and Disease Prevention

Poor oral hygiene is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Bacteria from the tongue and gums can enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and increasing the risk of chronic diseases. Tongue scraping minimizes harmful bacterial growth, reduces bad breath causes, and promotes overall well-being.

Benefits of Tongue Scraping

Cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper dates back to ancient times in India, but its benefits have recently gained a lot of attention globally. Listed below are some of the benefits of cleaning your tongue consistently:

• Improves Oral Hygiene: Removing plaque, bacteria, and toxins improves oral hygiene while lowering the risk of dental problems like cavities and gum disease. Incorporating tongue scraping into your daily routine helps discard such toxic substances from the oral cavity. It reduces bad breath and enhances your sense of taste. Tongue scraping is a great supplement to brushing and flossing for better oral hygiene.
• Boosts Digestion: Beyond oral hygiene, tongue scraping also confers digestive benefits. If the taste buds are coated with a layer of food debris, it can dull your sense of taste. Clearing this debris improves taste sensitivity and enhances your meal experience. It stimulates the smooth functioning of the digestive system for better nutrient absorption and metabolism.
• Enhances Detoxification: Ayurveda considers the tongue a detoxification gateway, and regular scraping helps remove accumulated toxins (ama) from the body. Toxins that get accumulated due to weak metabolism or digestive force (agni) show up on the dorsum, the upper surface of your tongue. Eventually, these toxins are absorbed back into the tongue, leading to diseases and a weakened immune system. Tongue scraping is the best solution to get rid of these toxins.
• Promotes Fresh Breath: Tongue scraping improves breath freshness. It eliminates foul-smelling bacteria that cause bad breath. The tongue’s surface can harbor a good amount of bacteria and food debris, which can cause bad breath. Regular tongue scraping can help eliminate these odor-causing agents, called volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs).
• Supports Overall Well-Being: Tongue scraping aligns with Ayurvedic principles of balance and holistic health. Overnight toxins (Ama) accumulate on the tongue due to imbalances in digestion. Scraping helps remove this buildup, preventing it from being reabsorbed into the body, hence promoting detoxification. It stimulates digestive enzymes, enhancing digestion and nutrient absorption. Moreover, by reducing harmful bacteria in the oral cavity, tongue scraping supports immune function, helping to prevent systemic infections.

Start practicing tongue scraping today and experience these health benefits instantly.

How to Use a Tongue Scraper: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose the Right Scraper

Depending on personal preference and availability, you can opt for copper, stainless steel, or plastic tongue scrapers. Copper has amazing antibacterial properties and is a better substitute for plastic or metal tongue cleaners.

Step 2: Place the Scraper at the Back of the Tongue

Clean your tongue after brushing and flossing. Stand in front of a mirror, open your mouth wide,  and extend your tongue out. Place your scraper at the back of your tongue, and start scraping.

Step 3: Gently Scrape Forward

Apply light pressure and scrape from back to front. Be gentle while scraping to avoid gagging.

Step 4: Rinse and Repeat

Rinse your mouth with warm water and spit out. Continue scraping as needed, until your tongue feels clean, say 5-7 times. You may clean your tongue multiple times a day as bacteria and sulfur compounds build up continuously.

Step 5: Clean Your Scraper

Lastly, wash your tongue scraper with warm water to sterilize it, which is essential for better hygiene. Store the tongue scraper in a clean, dry place between uses.

Tips for Beginners: Start gently to avoid gagging and be consistent. Choose a tongue scraper that you are comfortable with. If you face any issues, visit the doctor immediately.

Tongue Scraping vs. Brushing Your Tongue

While both tongue scraping and brushing help remove bacteria and debris from the tongue, tongue scraping is far more effective. Here’s why:

Tongue scraping is more effective than brushing your tongue because it is designed to remove bacteria, toxins, and debris from the tongue’s surface.

While a toothbrush can somewhat clean the tongue, its bristles are meant for teeth. They are not efficient at removing the thick coating of bacteria, food particles, and dead cells on the tongue.

Scraping provides a deeper cleansing by physically collecting and removing buildup rather than just spreading it around. Additionally, tongue scrapers are designed to cover a larger surface area with each stroke, making the process quicker and more efficient.

How to Choose the Right Tongue Scraper

Ayurvedic tongue scrapers were usually made of copper, silver, or brass. Nowadays, tongue scrapers are available in three materials: Copper, Stainless steel, and Plastic.

All three serve the purpose of cleaning the tongue. However, we highly recommend copper tongue scrapers because they are durable and sustainable and because copper has natural antimicrobial properties. You can also choose plastic or stainless steel if you’re looking for lightweight, gentle, easy-to-clean, and different design features.

Copper

Ayurveda holds that copper possesses remarkable antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which can help neutralize toxins. Research suggests that tongue scraping with copper can reduce bacteria by up to 80%. Additionally, it can enhance the immune system. However, the V-shaped design may be challenging for individuals with small mouths or a strong gag reflex.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel options are both durable and hygienic, and they are available in V and loop shapes. You can select a size that is easier to use. These scrapers are easy to clean and have a longer lifespan. However, these steel-tipped scrapers are not recommended for beginners, as they may not be as gentle as other options.

Plastic

Plastic tongue scrapers are affordable but less effective. They are gentle to use and the best option for beginners, or those with metal sensitivities, though they may not be as effective as copper or stainless steel. Plastic scrapers are generally loop-style cleaners, but you can also find brushes with soft bristles made from plastic.

Read More: Best Oral Care For Healthier Teeth and Gums (Dentist Approved Essentials)

Incorporating Tongue Scraping into Your Daily Routine

Tongue scraping is an essential part of the Ayurvedic Dinacharya or morning routine, designed to promote balance, digestion, and overall well-being. By removing toxins (ama) that accumulate overnight, tongue scraping helps stimulate digestion and sets a positive tone for the day.

How to Make Tongue Scraping a Daily Habit
For beginners, the best way to incorporate tongue scraping is by pairing it with your existing oral care routine. Scrape your tongue every morning, right after you wake up and before eating. Ideally, you can add it to your routine right after brushing and flossing your teeth, making it easier to remember.

How Often Should You Scrape?
Consistency is key. Aim to scrape your tongue once every morning. As you get more comfortable with the practice, you may choose to scrape again in the evening as part of your bedtime oral care routine. Scraping at night helps eliminate any remaining toxins from the day and supports evening digestion. You can also scrape before meals to improve digestion.

Practical Tips for Consistency
To make tongue scraping part of your routine, keep your tongue scraper next to your toothbrush as a visual reminder. You can also set a daily reminder on your phone until the practice becomes second nature. Over time, it will seamlessly integrate into your morning and bedtime routines, helping to improve your oral health and overall wellness.

Pair tongue scraping with other Ayurvedic oral hygiene practices such as oil pulling and flossing for even greater benefits. Together, these practices support a healthy mouth, enhanced digestion, and a detoxified body.

Read More: Gut Health Hacks: The best morning foods to kickstart digestion

Potential Risks and Precautions

As a beginner, keep track of tongue-scraping risks and oral care precautions.

Over-Scraping: The tongue is a sensitive organ of the mouth, and over-scraping can create cuts on it. Avoid excessive pressure, as it can cause irritation, redness or micro-cuts on the tongue. Ensure the use of safe, quality products and reliable practices based on available evidence.

Scraper Cleanliness: Always clean your scraper thoroughly with warm water to prevent bacterial buildup overnight.

Who Should Avoid Tongue Scraping?

Individuals with sensitive tongue or ulcers should consult a dentist before starting.

Also, read: 10 Effective Ways to Treat Tongue Problems

Conclusion

Tongue scraping is a simple technique for oral care. Incorporating it into your daily routine enhances oral hygiene, digestion, and systemic health. This practice supports a balanced oral environment, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Ayurveda brings holistic healing, spreading awareness of a healthier mouth and fresher breath.

Begin your day with good practices. Improve oral health with tongue scraping. Attain fresher breath and total wellness with Ayurvedic detox practices. Share your experience after tongue scraping.