Tuesday 22 November 2022 12:50 PM Tongue scraping prevents gum disease, cavities and bad breath, dentists say trends now
TikTok is awash with videos advocating fads that claim to boost health.
Drinking water packed with chia seeds, consuming dry protein powder and putting garlic up your nose are the topics of just some videos.
The tricks claim to help with weight loss, boost the effect of a work-out and ward off a cold, respectively — though experts warn they are either ineffective or unsafe.
But one teeth-based trend — known as tongue scraping — can actually boost oral hygiene, dentists say.
The practice, which involves using a device to remove debris from the tongue, can banish bad breath, as well as ward-off gum inflammation and cavities, according to Dr Sundeep Patel.
The cosmetic dentist, based at Waldron Dental Clinic in south east London, said this is down to the technique removing the white film on the tongue — which is a build-up of bacteria, debris and dead cells — which is more effective than brushing and flossing alone.
Gwyneth Paltrow, founder of wellness brand goop and known for advocating 'dangerous' habits, such as vaginal teaming, even does it.
A TikTok teeth-based trend - known as tongue scraping - can actually boost oral hygiene, dentists say
The practice involves scraping the tongue from back to front three or four times using light pressure, after brushing and flossing.
Advocates say the scraper — a U-shaped device made from plastic, copper or steel and costs as little as £3 and can be bought in most pharmacies — rids the mouth of harmful bacteria.
Gwyneth Paltrow this month revealed that she starts her day 'with a tongue scrape' using an $8 (£6.75) device from dental company Boka.
A host of bugs — more than 200 different types — live on the tongue.
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