Tongue scraping and oil pulling are time-honored techniques used alongside standard brushing and flossing. Rooted in ancient traditions, these complementary methods focus on reducing the bacterial load within the mouth. Both practices aim to address the accumulation of microorganisms and debris that build up overnight, supporting overall oral health and detoxification.
The Purpose of Scraping and Pulling
Tongue scraping is a mechanical process designed for the direct removal of the thick, visible coating on the tongue’s surface. This coating consists of food debris, dead cells, and a concentrated layer of biofilm. The goal of scraping is the immediate, bulk removal of this physical material using a dedicated tool, which helps freshen breath and improve taste perception.
Oil pulling, in contrast, uses a liquid fat, typically coconut or sesame oil, which is swished vigorously around the mouth for an extended period. The oil works by dissolving and capturing microscopic, lipid-soluble impurities and bacteria suspended in the saliva. This process relies on dissolution and capture rather than the forceful physical removal associated with scraping.
The Recommended Order
For individuals combining these two techniques, the most effective sequence involves performing the tongue scraping first, followed immediately by the oil pulling. After scraping, it is advised to rinse the mouth lightly with water to clear the dislodged debris before introducing the oil. This preparatory step optimizes the oral environment for the subsequent oil treatment.
Why the Sequence Matters
Scraping the tongue before oil pulling is beneficial because it removes the densest physical barrier of debris and microorganisms. The thick coating acts like a physical shield, impeding the oil’s ability to penetrate deeper biofilm layers. Removing this surface layer leaves the tongue cleaner, allowing the oil to make direct and sustained contact with remaining bacterial colonies.
When the oil is swished in a pre-cleaned mouth, its cleansing action is enhanced, binding more effectively to microscopic biofilm components. If the order were reversed, the oil would quickly saturate by binding to the thick, superficial debris the scraper could have easily removed. This saturation would reduce the oil’s capacity to pull out bacteria from other areas of the mouth, such as between the teeth or along the gums.
Placement in Your Daily Routine
The combined practice of tongue scraping and oil pulling is optimally performed first thing in the morning, immediately upon waking, and before consuming any food or drink. This timing removes the accumulated bacteria and toxins that have built up during the night. After completing the scraping and pulling sequence, the next step in the oral hygiene routine should be brushing.
Oil pulling should typically last between 10 to 20 minutes to allow the oil sufficient time to fully bind with microorganisms. It is important to spit the used oil into a trash can or compost, as it can solidify and clog plumbing; brushing immediately afterward removes any residual oil.