Experts Caution Against Heart Risks Linked to Tongue Scraping Habit

Recent data from Google Trends indicates that searches for the term “tongue scraper” have nearly doubled in the last two decades. While this trend points to a growing interest in oral hygiene, some health experts are sounding alarms about potential heart health risks associated with this practice.

Tongue scraping, also known as tongue brushing, has served as a technique for promoting dental health for centuries. Historically, it has been believed to enhance one’s sense of taste within weeks. However, recent concerns raised by medical professionals suggest that this popular dental habit may also carry unforeseen cardiac risks.

The Link Between Oral Hygiene and Heart Health

Dr. Bradley Serwer, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, stresses the strong connection between oral hygiene and heart wellness. He points out that conditions like gingivitis or severe gum infections have been linked to cardiovascular problems.

Despite the conventional benefits of tongue scraping, Dr. Serwer and other experts caution against a lesser-known cardiac risk that could arise from this habit.

What Is Tongue Scraping?

Tongue scraping involves cleaning the surface of the tongue to eliminate bad bacteria, food particles, and dead cells. According to guidelines from the Cleveland Clinic, this method is increasingly recommended to improve oral health. Beyond using a toothbrush, specialized tools for tongue scraping can be purchased at pharmacies for prices as low as eight dollars.

Health experts, including Dr. Whitney White of Aspen Dental, recommend performing gentle tongue scraping up to once daily for adults as a way to remove bacteria and freshen breath. Dr. White suggests that metal tongue scrapers are the most hygienic option available.

Understanding the Risks of Tongue Scraping

While tongue scraping can be effective, dental hygienist Tenika Patterson from Ohio emphasizes its potential benefits over standard brushing. She mentions that it can more effectively eliminate plaque and bacteria from the tongue’s surface.

Patterson likens the result of scraping to cleaning a dirty carpet. Rather than forcing dirt deeper into the fibers, scraping pulls the grime away, resulting in a cleaner surface.

However, experts express caution, as improper tongue scraping can create microscopic cuts on the tongue. Dr. Serwer highlights this issue, stating that these cuts may allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Any bacteria that breaches the bloodstream heightens the risk of endocarditis, an infection that affects heart valves.

The Dangers of Endocarditis

Left untreated, endocarditis can lead to significant heart damage. Therefore, while tongue scraping can serve as a beneficial practice for oral hygiene, moderation is key. Dr. White emphasizes that overdoing the scraping can lower the body’s levels of nitric oxide, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Striking a Balance: Oral Care and Overall Health

The balance between maintaining oral hygiene and minimizing potential health risks is critical. Dr. White advises that while regular, gentle scraping is beneficial for eliminating harmful bacteria, excessive scraping or aggressive techniques could disturb the balance of healthy microbes on the tongue. These microbes play a role in producing nitric oxide, vital for good cardiovascular health.

Dr. Serwer recommends focusing on comprehensive oral care as the most effective strategy. Regular dental visits, combined with proper brushing and flossing, can contribute to both healthy teeth and gums. While brushing and flossing may introduce some bacteria into the mouth, doctors agree that the advantages of these practices far outweigh the risks.

Evaluating the Necessity of Tongue Scraping

Dr. Serwer notes that the advantages of tongue scraping are relatively minimal compared to the well-established benefits of traditional dental practices. For those intending to continue their tongue scraping routine, moderation should remain a guiding principle. Dr. White adds that since oral health has a direct connection to overall health, it is best to practice scraping in moderation.

Ultimately, experts assert that tongue scraping is not an essential component of an oral hygiene routine. It should not replace the vital practice of brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing each day. Maintaining a primary focus on established dental hygiene practices will better serve individuals seeking to protect their oral and heart health.

Ensuring Comprehensive Oral Hygiene

In a world increasingly aware of the connection between oral health and general well-being, voiding unnecessary risks is crucial. Fostering a balanced relationship with procedures like tongue scraping can enhance oral health without compromising cardiac safety. As with any health routine, listening to expert advice and ensuring proper technique can guide individuals toward safeguarding both their smiles and hearts.