Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

TikTok tongue scraping trend can boost oral hygiene – Experts say

‘Tongue scraping is a fairly novel oral trend that is likely to become hugely popular in 2023.'

TikTok tongue scraping trend can boost oral hygiene – Experts say

There are plenty of videos on TikTok that advocate fads claiming to boost health and many experts have warned that these are either unsafe or ineffective.

However, according to dentists, one TikTok trend, known as tongue scraping, actually boosts oral hygiene, the Daily Mail informs.


Tongue scaping involves using a U-shaped device that helps to remove debris from the tongue which can help get rid of bad breath as well as keep gum inflammation and cavities at bay, said Dr Sundeep Patel, a cosmetic dentist, based at Waldron Dental Clinic in south east London.

Scraping of the tongue helps to remove the white film on the tongue which reportedly is a build-up of bacteria, dead cells, and debris.

This technique is also supposedly more effective than just flossing and brushing.

According to experts, a host of more than 200 different types of germs live on the tongue and scraping the tongue can get rid of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Advocates of this practice which involves lightly scraping of the tongue from back to front around three to four times after brushing and flossing, get the device from pharmacies at a cost of £3.

These devices are available in copper, plastic, and steel.

Dr Patel is reported as saying, 'Tongue scraping is a fairly novel oral trend that is likely to become hugely popular in 2023.

'The act of tongue scraping has often been limited to the wellness industry, but it is now making its way into the mainstream and becoming a routine step within your oral hygiene routine.'

He adds that though scraping the tongue may not be as important as flossing or brushing the teeth, it can certainly help to keep the mouth clean when added to a routine.

Though some people clean their tongue with their toothbrush or mouthwash but apparently a tongue scraper is more thorough and can clean the tongue better.

Dr Patel is quoted as saying, 'Often after we eat or drink our tongue can feel fuzzy or like it needs a clean.

'So, morning and night scraping your tongue can help to remove bacteria from that area to prevent any dental issues down the line.'

He adds, 'Tongue scrapers are pretty effective in removing bacteria from the tongue, and in some cases a dentist would suggest purchasing a scraper and including it in your oral hygiene routine.'

Food particles and bacteria sitting on the tongue can cause bad breath and tongue scraping can help to reduce this.

'Removing these will help to keep your mouth clean,' said Dr Patel.

This practice can also decrease the risk of gum disease by discarding the particles that can aggravate gums leading to inflammation, which in turn could lead to gum disease.

Getting rid of additional bacteria in the mouth also reduces the risk of cavities developing.

Dr Patel informs, 'The more we can help to keep our mouth clean the less likely it is that we will suffer with tooth decay or other dental complications.'

Studies have also suggested that after two weeks of scraping the tongue regularly and keeping it clean, taste buds will work better and it will be easier to taste food.

'Tongue scraping can also improve the appearance of the tongue, when often our tongue has a white coating, scraping can remove this and leave it looking clean and healthy,' adds Dr Patel.

Advising the use of a toothbrush to clean the tongue, Dr Linda Greenwall, founder of Dental Wellness Trust, is quoted as saying, 'There are thousands of bacteria that can be removed this way.

'Most of the halitosis agents (bacteria that produce bad odours) also embed in the tongue so tongue cleaning is essential.

'Brushing also removes coffee stains from the tongue.

'But remember, what is absolutely necessary is to brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and visit your dentist regularly.'

More For You

David Joseph

Joseph has chaired several BRIT Awards shows and was an executive producer of the Oscar and BAFTA-winning 2015 documentary Amy.

David Joseph named new CEO of the RSA

THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ARTS (RSA) has announced the appointment of David Joseph CBE as its next chief executive officer. He will take over the role in September, succeeding Andy Haldane.

Joseph previously served as chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK for 17 years. During his time at the company, he oversaw its transformation into a global exporter of British music and worked with several major international artists.

Keep ReadingShow less
Labour Rift Deepens as MPs Prepare for Crucial Welfare Bill Vote

People take part in a protest against disability welfare cuts on June 30, 2025 in London. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

MPs to vote on welfare bill amid Labour divisions

DOZENS of Labour MPs are expected to vote against the government’s welfare reforms despite recent concessions aimed at easing opposition.

The government had initially planned to tighten eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (Pip) but later said the stricter rules would only apply to new claimants from November 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less
We The Women makes UK debut with stories of courage and truth

Sudha Murthy and Karan Johar

Image Credits: Barkha Dutt / We The Women / Mojo Story

We The Women makes UK debut with stories of courage and truth

Mahesh Liloriya

The acclaimed women-led festival We The Women, curated by veteran journalist Barkha Dutt, made its powerful UK debut on June 29 at London’s Riverside Studios. Presented in partnership with Vedanta, the event brought together transformative voices from India and the British-Indian diaspora, showcasing unfiltered, emotional, and often raw storytelling.

Among the standout moments was Rashmika Mandanna’s candid discussion on her values-first approach to fame. The actor received thunderous applause when she shared, “I’ve said no to scripts because they required me to smoke. If I don’t feel good about something, I won’t do it.” Her firm stance echoed the festival’s core ethos, prioritising authenticity over popularity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Telangana-blast-Reuters

Rescue workers look for survivors after an explosion and fire at a chemical factory, in Sangareddy, Telangana, India, June 30, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

Reuters

India chemical factory blast death toll rises to 39, probe underway

THE DEATH toll from the explosion and fire at the Sigachi Industries chemical factory in Sangareddy, Telangana, has risen to at least 39, officials said on Tuesday, as rescue teams continued clearing debris for a second day.

The explosion occurred on Monday and turned large parts of the building into rubble. State authorities confirmed the toll had risen to 39, Reuters reported. Thirty-four others were injured in the incident, according to officials.

Keep ReadingShow less
Covid inquiry begins probe into care home deaths

FILE PHOTO: A mother and daughter sit atop the Covid memorial wall on September 9, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

Covid inquiry begins probe into care home deaths

THE Covid inquiry has started examining how the pandemic affected care services for older and disabled people, with families describing the crisis as one of the worst failures of the pandemic.

Nearly 46,000 care home residents died with Covid in England and Wales between March 2020 and January 2022, with many deaths happening in the first weeks of the outbreak.

Keep ReadingShow less