You too? Seeing the procedure of tongue cleaning swirl in popularity? As bright a spotlight as it's getting these days, it is not a novel concept. The history and cultural significance of tongue cleaning go back thousands of years when it found its roots in the Indian medical system Ayurveda.
Although we have a sea of modern evidence on the health benefits of the procedure, understanding its origins can help us put things into context and make the right choice for ourselves. So let's begin!
The Origin of Tongue Cleaning
Tongue cleaning has deep roots in many cultures around the world, with a particularly rich history in Indian medicine, also known as Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, tongue cleaning is an essential part of daily hygiene, aimed at removing harmful toxins, referred to as "Ama," from the surface of the tongue. This practice, which dates back thousands of years, involves the use of tongue scrapers made from various metals, including gold, silver, brass, copper, and tin. The choice of material was believed to increase or reduce the effectiveness of the cleaning process. Today, in modern times, many people in India and surrounding regions have adopted plastic or copper tongue scrapers, which serve the same purpose in maintaining oral hygiene.
However, the tradition of tongue cleaning is not unique to India. Many cultures across Africa, South America, and Europe have also practiced tongue cleaning for generations, each with its own unique traditions and materials. For instance, in some African cultures, tongue cleaners were crafted from flexible wood, while in other regions, materials like ivory, tortoiseshell, and whalebone were used. These diverse materials reflect the cultural significance and the value placed on oral hygiene across different societies.
Interestingly, Western civilizations did not historically emphasize tongue cleaning to the same extent. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, tongue cleaning was primarily associated with the wealthy in Europe, and it was only in the 18th and 19th centuries that records indicate the practice was adopted by the Romans. By the 20th century, tongue cleaning devices became more widely available commercially, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of this ancient practice.
Bottom line
People since ancient times have understood the importance of tongue cleaning. While the choice of metals differed from one region to another, the value of the process never lost its meaning in the journey. We hope this article helps you get a handle on history, understand where this procedure stemmed from, and how it has been going strong since centuries.
In the light of Ayurveda supplemented by modern research in medicine, PUREXA has developed a copper tongue Cleaner made from 100% pure, food-grade copper. Copper has been trusted for centuries in traditional practices like Ayurveda.
Copper has long been valued for its natural antimicrobial properties, which means it helps kill harmful bacteria and keeps your mouth cleaner and healthier. Unlike other materials, copper is naturally resistant to germs, making it a safer choice for your daily oral care routine. Each of our tongue cleaners is carefully handcrafted to ensure top-notch quality and durability, so you can trust it to last a long time.
If you too are planning to make a positive difference to your oral care routine, then jump to our website now and buy yourself a PUREXA copper tongue cleaner.
Written by Dr. Shipra Jaiswal, BDS, MDS, a Periodontist and Gums Specialist
