Beyond Fresh Breath: The Surprising Link Between Tongue Scraping and Health

Tongue scraping helps to remove harmful bacteria from our mouth and protects the heart. At the same time, it also improves the ratio of good bacteria in our mouth that contribute to a healthy cardiovascular system.

Tongue cleaning helps remove bacteria that can cause bad breath. Some people use a dental rinse to keep their mouth fresh. Unfortunately, using an antiseptic mouthwash can disrupt your oral-friendly flora by wiping out the helpful bacteria while getting rid of the harmful ones that cause unpleasant breath and plaque. This can have widespread effects, as studies have shown an increase in blood pressure after using antibacterial mouth rinses. These mouthwashes reduce the protective bacteria needed for the nitric oxide pathway, a vital element in regulating blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health. Individuals were observed to experience an increase in systolic blood pressure when using such mouth rinses twice or more per day.

Here's a simple guide for tongue scraping: Select a tongue scraper. Then, start by sticking out your tongue as far as you can. Place the tongue scraper towards the back of your tongue and press it while moving towards the front. Rinse it under warm water to clear debris and spit out excess saliva during scraping. You may repeat these steps several times, adjusting as needed to avoid a gag reflex. Finally, clean the instrument with warm water and soap and dry it. You can do this once or twice a day. If you tend to gag, try scraping your tongue before breakfast to avoid any discomfort. If you prefer using a toothbrush instead of a tongue scraper, that's perfectly acceptable. While a tongue scraper is specifically designed for tongue cleaning and may be more effective, a soft-bristle toothbrush can also get the job done. The cleaning process remains the same; simply follow the previously mentioned steps.

Don't forget the little-known secret in oral care: tongue scraping. Beyond just getting rid of bad bacteria, consider adding more green leafy veggies to your plate with a vegan diet. This dietary shift supports a friendly alliance with good bacteria that turn nitrates into nitric oxide, boosting the health of our blood vessels. So, let's blend solid oral care habits with a plant-packed diet for a winning combo that propels us towards overall well-being.