Tongue scraping is a fast way to remove extra particles — including the ones that cause bad breath — from the surface of your tongue. It’s done with a small, slightly rounded tool made from plastic or metal.
Although no amount of scraping can replace a good toothbrushing, its purported benefits have enticed quite a few to add this extra step to their morning and evening routines.

Read on to learn more about how tongue scraping can improve your oral health, common misconceptions to keep in mind, and how to get started.

How is tongue scraping beneficial?

Debris, bacteria, and dead cells can build up on your tongue over time. This can lead to bad breath and have a negative impact on your overall oral health.

Using a tongue scraper can help remove this buildup, as well as:

Improve your sense of taste.Older research suggests that using a tongue scraper twice daily can improve your sense of taste. Your tongue may be able to better distinguish between bitter, sweet, salty, and sour sensations.

Improve the appearance of your tongue. Buildup of excess debris can cause your tongue to take on a white, coated appearance. Daily scraping can help remove this coating and prevent it from returning.

Remove bacteria. Researchers in one 2005 study found that using a tongue scraper twice a day for seven days reduced the overall incidence of Mutans streptococci and Lactobacilli bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria types are known to cause bad breathand dental decay.

Improve overall health. Removing bacteria is key to preventing cavities, gum disease, and other conditions affecting the mouth. Tongue scraping can help clear these bacteria from the mouth, improving your tongue’s appearance and overall sensation.

Reduce bad breath. Although tongue scraping can’t replace brushing your teeth, scraping may do some things better. Researchers in one 2004 study found that scraping was more effective than brushing at removing odor-causing bacteria.

Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/tongue-scraping#misconceptions