Do Dentists Recommend Tongue Scraping? Yes — And Here’s Why
Here Are 4 Good Reasons to Start Tongue Scraping, Stat
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You might think your oral hygiene routine stops at brushing and flossing — but experts say if you really want to step up your game, you'll want to consider adding one more practice: tongue scraping. As it turns out, tongue scraping — which is exactly what it sounds like — is a practice that has been used for centuries in other cultures in order to remove bacteria, dead cells, and food debris from the tongue. Nowadays, there are specialized tools you can use specifically for this purpose, and the benefits are wide-ranging.
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So, why start tongue scraping? Are there any risks to know about? And how do you try it, anyway? We spoke to board-certified dentists to answer all these questions — and more.
Tongue Scraping Benefits
Experts say there are lots of legitimate reasons to start tongue-scraping.
According to Dr. Yenile Y. Pinto, DDS, a board-certified dentist and founder of Deering Dental in Miami, here are some of the most noteworthy benefits:
- Fresher breath: “Bacteria often collects on your tongue and this can produce odors that contribute to bad breath,” explains Pinto. “We've all been in a conversation with someone and couldn't wait to get away for some fresh air. Don't be that guy. Start tongue scraping and your friends, coworkers, and partner will thank you.” In fact, one study revealed that when it comes to removing odor-causing bacteria, tongue scraping works even better than toothbrushing.
- Better overall health: Did you know that imbalances and overgrowths of certain oral bacteria are linked to countless chronic diseases? Research suggests that plaque build-up and gum disease are actually linked to increased risk of certain types of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. “A clean tongue reduces bacterial load in the mouth, which can also positively impact your immune system,” adds Pinto.
- Reduced risk of gingivitis and oral thrush: If you’ve never heard of oral thrush, it’s basically a yeast infection of the mouth — and it’s as gross as it sounds. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. The good news? Keeping your tongue clean via scraping minimizes the risk of fungal overgrowth and greatly reduces your chances of developing oral thrush, according to Pinto. Scraping away bacteria and fungi can also help to prevent gingivitis — which can become a more serious issue if left untreated. Additionally, tongue scraping can stimulate healthy saliva production, which is a key component of maintaining oral health.
- Improved taste perception: If you still need another good reason to start tongue scraping, this should do the trick. “It can actually make your food taste more delicious,” Pinto tells AskMen. “Removing buildup from your tongue helps expose your taste buds so they work better, making flavors sharper and more enjoyable. My husband swears he can taste the finish of his scotch better ever since he started tongue scraping. He's been converting all his friends ever since.”
Should I Try Tongue Scraping?
Dr. Tyler Hales, a celebrity cosmetic dentist and founder of Hales Aesthetic, recommends tongue scraping to all of his patients. That said, here are some signs you might want to start tongue scraping, according to Dr. Sandip Sachar, DDS, a New York-based dentist in private practice:
- You have persistent bad breath, despite brushing and flossing daily
- You’ve noticed a whitish coating on your tongue
- Your sense of taste has diminished or dulled
- You’re experiencing frequent oral health issues, whether cavities or inflamed gums
- You suffer from dry mouth
Tongue Scraping Risks
Overall, tongue scraping comes with lots of rewards and very few risks.
For most people, the only real concern is that tongue scraping can trigger the gag reflex, says LA-based cosmetic and general dentist Dr. Jon Marashi, DDS.
If you have open sores, cuts, or burns on your tongue, wait until these heal before scraping or you might cause further irritation and delay the healing process, says Pinto. Additionally, Sachar notes that using too much pressure can cause abrasions or damage your taste buds, which is why it’s best to err on the side of gentle — particularly at first, when you’re first getting used to tongue scraping.
“If your tongue stings or feels sensitive you may be scraping too aggressively or too often,” adds Pinto. “If this happens, give it a break for a few days and then start back up with less pressure.”
If you have pre-existing oral health conditions, such as advanced gum disease or oral cancer, Sachar advises consulting your dentist before incorporating tongue scraping into your routine.
The bottom line? As long as you’re doing it correctly, and not dealing with any active mouth wounds or oral diseases, there really aren’t any risks to worry about.
How to Tongue Scrape Properly
The practice of tongue scraping is actually fairly simple.
Here’s how to get started, per guidance from Marashi, Sachar, and Pinto:
- While standing in front of a mirror, stick out your tongue.
- Position the rounded edge of the scraper towards the back of your tongue.
- Applying light pressure, begin pulling the scraper forward toward the tip of your tongue.
- Rinse off the scraper, and repeat this motion again on a different part of your tongue. Always rinse the scraper after each pass.
- Continue repeating steps 2-4 until you’ve scraped the entire surface of your tongue.
- Once you’re finished, rinse your mouth with water.
If you find yourself gagging when you try tongue scraping for the first time, Marashi suggests starting at the middle of your tongue and pulling from there. Once you get used to the sensation, you should be able to move the scraper farther back.
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Don’t forget to clean your tongue scraper, too. After daily use, rinsing it thoroughly with hot water should suffice. You can also use a bit of mild soap if you’d like. But once a week, Pinto recommends soaking it in water with a denture-cleaning tablet for a deeper clean. Some tongue scrapers can also be placed in the dishwasher, depending on what material they’re made of.
Should I Tongue Scrape Every Day?
According to Dr. Sang (Ben) Hoon Ahn, DDS, managing partner of 209 NYC Dental, it’s best to tongue scrape once daily after brushing. Although it’s totally fine to tongue scrape at night if that’s your preference, Sachar recommends integrating this practice into your morning routine.
“This helps to remove the build-up of bacteria and debris that accumulate overnight, promoting fresher breath,” he tells AskMen.
By the way — this is definitely a case where more is not necessarily better.
Tongue scraping more frequently than once or twice a day can damage your taste buds, cause bleeding, and disturb your oral microbiome, explains Ahn.
Best Tongue Scraping Tools
Tongue scrapers come in a variety of materials, designs, and shapes.
“Ultimately, it boils down to your own preference,” says Fatima Khan, DDM, a dentist and co-founder of Riven Oral Care. “The U-shaped is designed for you to scrape a larger surface area in one swipe versus the Y-shaped which requires multiple swipes, but is more focused and the triangular shape offers a different angle which some people prefer. Choose the design that feels easier to maneuver because in return it will be more effective for you.”
Before you get overwhelmed by the options, here are some of the dentists’ favorite tongue scraping tools.
Estrella Naturals Pacer Copper Tongue Scraper
This user-friendly tool features a comfortable grip, and is made with sustainable copper to naturally eliminate bacteria.
For those reasons, this is one of Marashi’s top picks.
Dr. Tung’s Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner
According to Pinto, stainless steel is an ideal material for a tongue scraper because it’s durable and easy to clean.
“Stainless steel is also superior to plastic scrapers because it doesn’t harbor bacteria as easily,” he says. “This tool gets the job done without unnecessary frills.”
Keeko Copper Tongue Scraper
“I love this one because it has handles for easy grip and cleans the tongue easily without trauma,” says Hales.
As an added bonus, copper is a naturally antimicrobial material.
DenTek Orabrush Tongue Cleaner
“This tool is highly effective at combating bad breath and is designed with gentle bristles to clean the surface of your tongue without causing irritation,” says Sachar. “The ergonomic handle makes it easy to use, and the minty flavor leaves your mouth feeling fresh. It's a great option for those new to tongue scraping.”
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