Skip to main content

Tongue Cleaning

Level

1

This might seem a bit mundane, but tongue cleaning is actually an absolute game changer for your daily routine. Read on to know all the perks of making it your everyday habit.

Before we dive into tongue cleaning, let’s begin by understanding what the coating on your tongue is.

What is the coating on the tongue?

Your tongue’s surface is uneven. Bacteria and dead cells tend to accumulate in the gaps. The indigestible parts of the food that you ate during the day are also deposited on the tongue every night. It is known as "ama" in Ayurveda.

Now that you know what’s the coating, don’t you want to eliminate it first thing in the morning before you eat anything?

What is the best way to clean your tongue?

Since your tongue is a very uneven surface - using a toothbrush will not remove the coating completely. In fact, it will just end up pushing some of the coating into the gaps on your tongue.

Tongue cleaners are best for removing the coating because they are specifically designed for getting rid of the coating.

What are the benefits of cleaning your tongue?

By cleaning your tongue, you ensure that the coating doesn’t mix with the food you consume. Everytime the coating re-enters your digestive system, it puts an additional strain on your digestion. Repeated strain leads to a decrease in metabolism over a period of time.

By getting rid of the buildup on the tongue, you can prevent bad breath (halitosis) since some of the trapped bacteria release sulphur compounds that create an unpleasant odour.

You wouldn’t want the coating covering your taste buds. Removing the coating from the taste buds enhances your ability to fully taste and enjoy the flavours in your food.

Visually, a tongue with a visible coating may not be aesthetically appealing. The simple act of cleaning your tongue keeps your mouth fresh and can boost your self-confidence.

As per Ayurveda, the nadis of digestive organs end on the tongue. When you clean your tongue, these nadis get massaged. The massaging of nadis stimulates the digestive organs. They function more efficiently through the day, giving you better metabolism.

Ancient wisdom meets modern habits! Cleaning your tongue isn't just a chore; it's a ticket to better metabolism, a fresher, more flavourful and confident you.

How to use a tongue cleaner?

When using a tongue cleaner, it is recommended to start from the back of the tongue and gently scrape towards the front. Repeat this process around five times to ensure thorough cleaning and maximise the benefits.

Tongue cleaners are available in plastic, metal and wood. Wooden tongue cleaners have inherent advantages over plastic or metal ones. Wood is gentle on the tongue and less likely to damage the taste buds. Additionally, wooden tongue cleaners have natural antimicrobial properties and are 100% decomposable, making them a sustainable and eco-friendly option too.