In a nutshell: better breath and oral hygiene, a balanced oral microbiome, and improved digestion and immunity. Western scientific studies have shown that tongue-dwelling bacteria are the main cause of bad breath and have been linked to issues like plaque build-up and tooth decay. As our mouth is an important first line of defence for the body, they can also have negative effects on the regulation of the immune system. Ayurveda also holds that scraping activates saliva production which promotes the body’s digestive fire, and that good digestion is the foundation of health.