Posted: April 28, 2018
Modern dentistry is arguably the most technologically advanced it has ever been in the world’s history. From water picks and electric toothbrushes to dental implants and invisible braces, the options available for oral care seem endless. However, one of the most effective and innovative dental tools for maintaining full-body health was invented hundreds of years ago: the tongue scraper.
Tongue scrapers have been used for centuries, constructed of materials ranging from metals to whalebone and wood. Nowadays, tongue scrapers are most commonly sold as plastic or metal. Ayurveda recommends the tongue scraper as a regular part of the daily routine to be used first thing in the morning. While the word “scraping” might sound unpleasant, tongue scraping is in fact gentle, and any discomfort indicates incorrect use.
So why tongue scrape? Tongue scraping has numerous benefits that increase the health of not only the mouth, but the entire body. Like flossing, tongue scraping is a behavior that requires getting into the habit of at first. However, once you start doing it you will immediately feel the benefits of this ancient technique.
You may be wondering why an extra gadget is necessary, and why using your toothbrush is not sufficient. Well, research shows that tongue scraping actually removes 75% of toxins (in the form of volatile-sulfur compounds), as compared to 45% with a toothbrush. So when it comes to tongue scraping, the best tool really is a tongue scraper. Still not convinced? Check out these 3 reasons to start tongue scraping today, and feel the difference in your mouth, body and mind!
1. Get Rid of Bad Breath
According to Ayurveda (and Chinese Medicine), a person’s health can be evaluated by simply looking at their tongue. A thin, slightly white coating indicates health and good digestion, while a thick, excessive coating indicates poor digestion and the accumulation of toxins. By scraping your tongue daily, you can get rid of the built-up toxins and bacteria that lead to bad breath and tooth decay. And whereas a toothbrush often leaves a spotty tongue cleaning, tongue scrapers provide a deep cleaning.
2. Improve Digestive Health
While it be hard to believe, Ayurveda considers the tongue to play an important role in digestive and allover health. Because the digestive system is considered the root of all health, the food we consume daily directly affects our health. Since our tongues are the first thing to touch food, the bacteria and toxins on our tongue affect how our food is digested, and thus the health of our body. So by cleaning your tongue your food will be better digested and you will be healthier!
3. Improve the Taste of Food
When toxins and bacteria build up on the tongue, taste buds can become blocked and affect the way we taste food. Many who tongue scrape notice a dramatic shift in the way they taste food, due to more open and clean taste buds. Once you start scraping, you will notice an ability to taste more subtle flavors and to enjoy your food more.
These are just a few of the benefits of tongue scraping. So go ahead - get yourself a tongue scraper and experience the benefits for yourself!
