As the new year of 2026 gets underway, a familiar wave of health resolutions sweeps across the UK. While many focus on diet and exercise, dental professionals are highlighting one crucial daily hygiene step that consistently gets overlooked: tongue scraping.
The Overlooked Pillar of Oral Care
Despite being a practice with ancient roots, modern Brits often forget this simple act. Popular oral care brand Oral-B notes that tongue scraping has existed for hundreds of years, with historical cultures using implements made from materials like ivory. Today, specialised and accessible tools are readily available, yet the habit remains absent from many daily routines.
This isn't just about fresher breath. Tongue scraping involves gently removing a build-up of dead skin cells, bacteria, and food debris from the tongue's surface. Oral-B clarifies that while it shouldn't replace brushing or flossing, it is a powerful addition that boosts overall oral hygiene in both the short and long term.
Three Surprising Benefits You Might Not Know
The conversation has gained significant traction on social media platforms like TikTok, where dental professionals are breaking down the science. Joyce the Dentist, a popular creator, recently highlighted three lesser-known advantages in a viral video.
First, a clean tongue enhances your sense of taste. By clearing the coating, taste buds can function more effectively. Second, it may support cardiovascular health. This link stems from the role of oral bacteria in processing dietary nitrates into nitrites, which the body converts to nitric oxide—a compound vital for relaxing blood vessels and managing blood pressure. Scraping helps prevent these bacteria from potentially entering the bloodstream.
The third benefit optimises digestion. Removing debris from the tongue properly activates digestive enzymes in the mouth, kick-starting the digestive process more efficiently. As Joyce summarised in her caption, the obvious bonus is dramatically improved bad breath.
How to Scrape Correctly and Public Reaction
For those new to the practice, technique is key. Experts advise starting the scraper as far back on the tongue as is comfortable, then pulling it forward towards the tip with gentle pressure. Rinse the scraper after each pass and repeat several times until the tongue looks and feels clean.
The public response online has been telling. In comments on Joyce's video, one TikTok user confessed, "I once had bad breath issues and it only disappeared after I started using this product." The discussion underscores a growing awareness that a comprehensive health routine extends beyond the basics.
As 2026 progresses, this ancient practice is being rediscovered as a modern essential. For anyone looking to upgrade their wellbeing regimen, incorporating this quick, daily step could be a simple change with a wide range of proven benefits.
