Dr. S Ajit, a specialist in Ayurveda, imparted his insights on Ayurvedic medicine during an episode of the Human/Spirit podcast aired on March 26, 2025. He discussed various topics, including the body's accumulation of toxins overnight, which can manifest as a white coating on the tongue. He emphasized that tongue scraping is an effective method to remove these toxins, thereby enhancing overall health.

He stated, “As soon as you wake up, quickly get out of bed, head to the bathroom, and examine your tongue in the mirror. You will notice a thick white coating. This coating represents the toxins your body has generated. If you neglect this, those toxins will re-enter your system. Upon waking, it is essential to brush your teeth and then use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue. By doing this, you can take control of your health by eliminating at least 40 percent of the buildup.”

Tongue cleaning and its implications

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Ashish Kakkar, a senior consultant in dental surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, responded to Dr. Ajit's remarks by emphasizing the importance of tongue cleaning for oral health. He stated, “Tongue cleaning is frequently advised as part of oral hygiene practices. Clinically, its advantages go beyond just oral health, as it may also affect systemic health through mechanisms like maintaining microbial balance and enhancing digestive function.”

He further noted, “From a clinical viewpoint, tongue cleaning is an advantageous practice for sustaining oral hygiene, decreasing microbial presence, and possibly aiding systemic health through processes such as nitrate metabolism and improved digestion. Nevertheless, its effectiveness is optimized when integrated with a thorough oral care regimen that includes tooth brushing and flossing. Additional research is necessary to investigate its long-term effects on systemic issues, including cardiovascular health and chronic bad breath.”

What is the role of tongue cleaning in oral health?

According to Dr Ashish Kakkar:

⦿ Reduction of oral malodour: Studies show that mechanical tongue cleaning, using scrapers or brushes, can reduce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which are key contributors to bad breath. However, the effectiveness varies depending on the frequency and method of cleaning. Some trials indicate that tongue cleaning alone may not significantly prevent morning oral malodour without concurrent tooth brushing.

⦿ Improved microbial balance: Regular tongue cleaning disrupts bacterial biofilms on the tongue's surface, reducing harmful bacterial loads. This helps prevent plaque formation and gum disease, contributing to overall oral health.

Does tongue cleaning impact overall health?

According to Dr Kakkar:

⦿ Cardiovascular health: The tongue microbiome plays a role in nitrate metabolism, which contributes to nitric oxide (NO) production—a molecule essential for cardiovascular health. Frequent tongue cleaning has been shown to favor nitrate-reducing bacteria, supporting blood pressure regulation and overall cardiovascular function.

⦿ Digestive power: Ayurvedic medicine suggests that tongue cleaning can enhance digestive power by removing toxins (Ama). Clinical studies have supported this claim by showing improvements in digestive symptoms like constipation and fecal quality among individuals practicing regular tongue cleaning.

Does tongue cleaning improve quality of life?

Dr Kakkar said, “Tongue cleaning has been linked to enhanced oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). It improves taste sensation by exposing taste buds and reduces social discomfort caused by bad breath. These factors collectively contribute to better self-confidence and overall well-being.”

Limitations and other considerations

While tongue cleaning shows promise in improving oral hygiene and systemic health, Dr Kakkar shared that some studies highlight limitations:

⦿ Insufficient evidence for chronic halitosis: Data on the long-term effects of tongue cleaning on chronic bad breath remain inconclusive.

⦿ Dependency on technique: The effectiveness of tongue cleaning depends significantly on the method used (scraper vs brush) and frequency.

Read Also: 13 Vegetarian Protein Sources That Aren’t Paneer—Dietitian’s Guide

"Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!"