The practice of tongue scraping has gained popularity on social media and has been widely discussed by many experts. Some claim that this habit can bring significant benefits to oral health. But the question arises: Does everyone really need to adopt this practice in their daily lives?
The tongue scraping process is very simple and can be performed using a tongue scraper, which is usually made of brass or stainless steel, or with the help of a spoon. The goal is to clean the surface of the tongue, removing the white or yellow layer that often accumulates. This layer, which a regular toothbrush may not reach effectively, can be carefully removed with a scraper. To ensure efficiency and safety, it is recommended to rinse the scraper after each pass and clean it properly before and after use.
What are the benefits of scraping your tongue?
The digestion process begins in the mouth and saliva plays a crucial role in this process. Therefore, shaving your tongue can bring some noticeable benefits. One of them is to reduce the unpleasant odor that can result from the accumulation of substances on the tongue. The presence of this residue can lead to the formation of colonies of gas-producing bacteria, according to epidemiology professor Ananda Dassanayake, of New York University. Individuals who suffer from bad breath or gingivitis may notice improvement when adopting this habit.
Although healthy people may want to try tongue scraping, Professor Martina Bertolini of the University of Pittsburgh warns that the gains may not be significant. In order for the benefits to be noticed, this practice must be performed daily. Otherwise, its beneficial effects tend to disappear quickly.
Does this practice help you lose weight?
The idea that shaving your tongue can help you lose weight is spreading on social media, but this is nothing more than a myth. According to the nutritionist bruna majesty, To Ponce Floydus, “If an individual is eating more calories than he or she burns, tongue scraping is not what will help with the weight loss process.”. In other words, a calorie deficit is the real deciding factor in weight loss. To date, there are no scientific studies proving that tongue scraping has an effect on reducing body weight.
According to Bons Fluidos, although the practice of tongue scraping does not pose significant risks, it is more recommended for people who already suffer from problems such as bad breath or gingivitis. However, anyone who wants to improve their oral health can consider trying this daily habit. However, it is essential that this practice be incorporated as part of a complete oral hygiene routine, which includes regular brushing and flossing.