By Joseph Lim
Brushing or scraping the tongue helps rid bacteria in the mouth.
As in many things in life, there is a downside to the beneficial effects of tongue scraping. And it has something to do with bacteria in the oral microbiome.
The microbiome is a “community” of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, benign viruses, and protozoa that share a living space such as the human mouth.
It is estimated that about 700 unique species of bacteria inhabit the mouth.
Cells produce a molecule called nitric oxide, a “vasodilator,” which makes blood vessels pliable and facilitates blood flow. Pliable means lower pressure on the walls of the veins, arteries and capillaries. Now, some microbes on the back part of the tongue convert a plant-based nutrient into nitrites and leads to the production of nitric oxide.
Which is why brushing or scraping the tongue lessens the presence of bacteria in the mouth’s microbiome. When there is less nitric oxide, it means a less pliable circulation, bringing pressure to the veins, arteries and capillaries and which may lead to hypertension.
Research at the University of Texas has shown that using an antiseptic mouthwash two times a day lessens the presence of microbes in the oral microbiome; this in turn may lead to elevated blood pressure, as has been shown among study participants. A week later, their blood pressure returned to normal when the use of the mouthwash was discontinued.
The University of Texas findings are theoretical and do not establish the association firmly.
That said, we continue to encourage tongue brushing.
In theory, scraping your tongue could also balance the right amount of “good” bacteria in the mouth which could produce more nitric oxide. This encourages the growth of stem cells that repair and replace worn out cells.
Mind you, this is again theoretical and studies are very limited.
Whatever, it seem intuitive to know that brushing the tongue with your toothbrush rids it of bacteria and dead cells that have accumulated by taking medicines and smoking, or brought about by irregular brushing habits, yeast infections and dry mouth.
According to webmd.com, tongue scraping is easy to incorporate into the brushing routine. And here, we quote the website, which recommends a tongue scraper:
“First, brush and floss your teeth as usual. Then: Stick out your tongue.”
“Start the scraper at the very back of the tongue. Run the scraper all the way to the front two or three times. Use light pressure (if it hurts or cuts your tongue, it’s too much). Rinse the scraper under warm water between scrapes. Swish your mouth out with water afterward. Rinse the scraper off once you’re done.”
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./WDJ