While brushing your teeth is a cornerstone of oral hygiene, neglecting to clean your tongue could have serious implications for both oral and systemic health. Experts emphasize that tongue cleaning is an essential practice to remove toxins, bacteria, and debris that accumulate overnight, often visible as a white coating on the tongue.
Dr. S Ajit, an Ayurvedic medicine expert, explains that tongue scraping helps eliminate toxins produced during sleep, improving overall health. He advises using a tongue scraper immediately after brushing to prevent these toxins from re-entering the body. Similarly, Dr. Ashish Kakkar, a senior consultant in dental surgery, highlights the clinical benefits of tongue cleaning, including reduced microbial loads, improved nitrate metabolism, and enhanced digestive function.
From reducing bad breath to supporting cardiovascular health, tongue cleaning offers a range of benefits. Studies show that mechanical tongue cleaning can disrupt bacterial biofilms, preventing plaque formation and gum disease. Additionally, the tongue microbiome plays a role in nitric oxide production, essential for blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular function.
Experts recommend incorporating tongue cleaning into daily oral care routines, alongside brushing and flossing, to maximize its effectiveness. Neglecting this practice could lead to oral malodor, microbial imbalance, and even systemic health issues over time.
