Tongue scraping

Tongue scraping

Have you used a tongue scraper before? Is it part of your daily morning routine? Although it may sound strange if you have never heard of it before, it is actually really effective at removing bacteria from your tongue and helps to improve oral health. I have been using a tongue scraper everyday for over 15 years and I have to say it is one of the best things I do when I wake up in the morning.

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The history of tongue scraping

Tongue scraping is an Ayurvedic practice which dates back to ancient times in India where it was considered that oral health was essential to the wellbeing of the body. In the Charaka Samhita, an early Ayurvedic text, it states that by cleaning the tongue, “(this) removes foul smell, tastelessness … and by taking out dirt coated on the tongue, teeth and mouth brings relish immediately.”((Ref:

In Ayurveda, tongue scraping helps to remove the Ama from your body. Ama refers to the accumulation of toxic residues which can be due to poor eating habits or digestive issues.

What are the benefits of tongue scraping?

  • Improves your oral health.

  • Debris, bacteria and dead cells can build up on your tongue over time. The scraping action is a fast and effective way to remove the coating on your tongue which helps to clear toxins and bacteria which can contribute to bad breath.

  • It is more effective at removing bacteria from your tongue compared to brushing your tongue with your toothbrush.

  • Helps to enhances the sense of taste.

  • Gently stimulates the internal organs. This is because in Ayurveda, different parts of the tongue are related to different parts of the body, i.e. lungs, heart, stomach, liver, spleen, kidneys and intestines.

  • Promotes overall oral and digestive health (remember digestion first starts when you smell a food and then in the mouth when you start eating).

  • Increases your awareness of  your state of health.

  • Not expensive - usually costs under $10.

How do you do it?

  • It is done with a small, slightly rounded tool usually made from metal.

  • Best to do it every day, first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

  • Stand in front of the mirror, open your mouth and stick out your tongue.

  • Gently set the rounded end of the tongue scraper at the back of your tongue (as far back as is comfortable).

  • Gently touch the scraper to the tongue and pull it forward, towards the tip of your tongue so that it can remove the unwanted coating.

  • Repeat until you have scraped the entire surface of your tongue and all of the coating has been removed. Your tongue should feel fresh and clean.

  • Wash the tongue scraper with warm water and soap, leave to dry. I usually hang it up near the window to dry. The whole process should take 1 max.

  • Be mindful of how much pressure you are putting on the tongue scraper. Be gentle so you don’t hurt your tongue, but firm enough to scrap the excess debris. Always start off soft and then gradually increase the pressure.


Have your used a tongue scraper before? Is it part of your daily morning routine? Once you try it, you will notice and appreciate the benefits and feel so much better.

Let me know your thoughts below.

Dry Body Brushing

Dry Body Brushing