Is it necessary to scratch your tongue every day? Discover the opinions of the experts

Is it necessary to scratch your tongue every day? Discover the opinions of the experts

The practice of tongue scraping has gained popularity on social media and has been widely discussed by several experts. Some argue that this habit can bring significant benefits to oral health. However, the question arises: is it really necessary for everyone to adopt this practice in their daily lives?




The tongue scraping process is quite simple and can be done with a tongue scraper, usually made of copper or stainless steel, or with the help of a spoon. The purpose is to clean the surface of the tongue, removing the white or yellowish layer that often accumulates. This layer, which a normal toothbrush may not reach effectively, can be carefully removed by the scraper. To ensure efficiency and safety, we recommend rinsing the scraper after each pass and cleaning it properly before and after use.

What are the benefits of tongue scraping?

Digestion begins in the mouth and saliva plays a crucial role in this process. Therefore, shaving your tongue can bring some notable benefits. One of these is the reduction of bad odor, which can be caused by the accumulation of substances on the tongue. The presence of these residues can lead to the formation of colonies of gas-producing bacteria, according to epidemiology professor Ananda Dasanayake of New York University. People who suffer from bad breath or gingivitis may notice improvements by adopting this habit.

Although healthy people may want to try tongue scraping, Professor Martinna Bertolini of the University of Pittsburgh warns that the gains may not be significant. For the benefits to be noticed, the practice must be carried out daily. Otherwise its beneficial effects tend to disappear quickly.

Does the practice help you lose weight?

The idea that shaving your tongue can help you lose weight is circulating on social media, but this is nothing more than a myth. According to the nutritionist Bruna Magesti, at Bons Fluidos, “if the individual eats more calories than he burns, it is not tongue scraping that will help in the weight loss process”. In other words, calorie deficit is the true determining factor in weight loss. To date, there are no scientific studies that demonstrate that tongue scraping has an impact 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 might consider trying this daily habit. It is essential, however, that the practice is integrated as part of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine, which includes regular brushing and flossing.

Source: Terra

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