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While brushing one’s teeth and maintaining healthy gums are key factors to determining good oral health, the ancient practice of tongue cleaning, better known as tongue scraping, is a common way to remove build-up of any food and drink you taste. It is also considered to be effective in managing bad breath issues as well as gut issues or common allergies. Let’s take a look at some key benefits that take place, when you incorporate the habit into your daily oral routine.
Removes Bacteria
Tongue scraping helps to remove the build-up of bacteria, dead cells, and food debris on the tongue's surface. By doing so, it promotes better oral hygiene, reducing the risk of bad breath (halitosis) and preventing the accumulation of plaque and bacteria that could contribute to dental problems like cavities and gum disease.
Enhances Taste Perception
In Ayurveda, the tongue is considered the primary organ of taste and hence, scraping the tongue can help cleanse the taste buds, which improves taste perception and enhances the enjoyment of food. A clean tongue can also encourage mindful eating and healthier food choices, boosting the flavours of foods that one would otherwise miss.
Internal Organ Health
According to Ayurveda, digestion starts with the sense of taste and the stimulation of the digestive process. By removing toxins and bacteria from the tongue, tongue scraping is believed to support healthy digestion and overall digestive function. Moreover, different areas of the tongue correspond with our key internal organs, and hence tongue scraping stimulates the movement of food through our digestive system.
Detoxification
The tongue is a crucial part of the body's natural detoxification system, and as toxins and impurities accumulate on the tongue's surface, they can be reabsorbed and spread throughout the body. If there is a formation of white plaque on the surface of your tongue, it might also indicate a build-up of toxins within our bodies. Tongue scraping aids in removing these toxins and promotes detoxification.
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Supports Immune System
Removing harmful bacteria and toxins from the tongue can reduce the overall bacterial load in the mouth and prevent them from being swallowed or entering the bloodstream. This can support the immune system's ability to defend against infections and illnesses. Additionally, practicing the habit of cleaning one’s tongue at least once every two days, allows you to clear out impurities that the body might be ejecting orally.
Alleviates Bad Breath
Halitosis – a phenomenon caused by bacteria and decaying food particles on the tongue can be reduced greatly with regular tongue scraping. Not only does it help in keeping the tongue clean, it also reduces the chances of developing bad breath. Cleaning your tongue regularly also reduces the chances of any cavity build-up inside the mouth. Combining the task of tongue scraping as an aftermath to brushing your teeth everyday, keeps chronic bad breath at bay.
