“Hundreds of bacteria are found in the oral cavity, and the tongue provides a large surface area where bacteria can colonize,” Dr. Newgard says. “It’s important to keep the tongue clean in order to reduce bacterial load in the oral cavity.”
When shopping for a tongue scraper, look for either a plastic or metal material, a wide scraper head, and any added features that may help further clean the mouth. Additionally, you’ll want to look for a tongue scraper that is easy to clean and disinfect, especially if you’re regularly on the go. We researched dozens of tongue scrapers and cleaners and evaluated them for ease of use, materials, pricing, and added features.
Here are the best tongue scrapers to add to your oral health routine.
This scraper is made of easy-to-clean stainless steel so that it’s hygienic (Dr. Tung’s recommends cleaning the tongue scraper regularly by rubbing it with toothpaste), gentle on the tongue, and durable. It’s made with rubber handles for a comfortable grip and comes with a fabric pouch for portability.
Price at time of publish: $9
It has a smooth, curved head to fit your tongue comfortably and features a non-slip handle so you can remove buildup on the surface of your tongue with precision and control. This also comes in a two-pack, so you’ll always have a backup.
Price at time of publish: $12
This tongue cleaner is also designed with a narrow head to minimize sensitivity and gag reflex, making it easier to clean the back of the tongue. Its grip handle resembles a toothbrush, making it easy to control for precise brushing and scraping.
Price at time of publish: $6
The Orabrush is also extremely easy to use. It’s straightforward (you operate it like a toothbrush) and less bulky than metal tongue scrapers, making it great for travel. It also features an extended handle that helps reduce gagging and allows for easier control.
Price at time of publish: $10
This tongue cleaner is BPA-free and even comes with a smiley-face protective case to keep it sanitary and germ-free in your medicine cabinet or bathroom counter. It’s recommended that parents supervise young children’s use of tongue scrapers.
Price at time of publish: $13
This tool is made of stainless steel and features contoured soft edges and a curved design that is flexible enough to twist and turn and get to the hard-to-reach areas of your tongue—without the gagging issues. It also had molded grips so they’re easy to hold and control.
Price at time of publish: $13
If you like the freshness toothpaste brings, you might prefer this tongue scraper, which features a mint flavor. Its low profile and narrow design also mean you can comfortably reach the back of the tongue without gagging.
Price at time of publish: $6
To double up on the convenience, these disposable tongue scrapers also come with a built-in toothpick that folds back for safety.
Price at time of publish: $4
What to Look for in Tongue Scrapers
Material
If you’re shopping for a tongue scraper, you’ll likely see two types of commonly used materials—stainless steel and plastic. Many prefer a tongue scraper made with stainless steel as it’s effective, durable, and friendlier to the environment.
Some, however, may not like the feeling of stainless steel on their tongue and find a plastic tongue scraper more comfortable to use. “The stainless steel tongue scrapers are best since they can be cleaned and disinfected,” says Joseph Salim, DMD, dentist at Sutton Place Dental Associates in New York. “They also last longer than their plastic counterparts.” Dr. Salim stresses that the technique used is just as important as the kind of tongue scraper used.
Design
The most common types of tongue scrapers feature a curved, U-shape design that requires two hands to operate and a single-handle design that resembles a toothbrush. Either type is effective, as long as you are comfortable using it without gagging and able to scrape a large surface of the tongue. “You should go as far back as possible without causing a gag reflex,” Dr. Salim says. “The entire surface of the tongue needs to be cleaned, and this action needs to be repeated a few times.”
Easy to Clean
Because tongue scrapers work to remove food debris and bacteria from the surface of the tongue, it’s important to keep your tongue scrapers sanitized. Look for a tongue scraper that’s easy to clean regularly. Some scrapers have bristles for brushing that may trap particles, so be sure to pay careful attention to cleaning them.
According to Dr. Salim, stainless-steel tongue scrapers can be easily disinfected and they last a long time. “[Tongue scrapers need] to be cleaned by running it under warm water and leaving it to dry thereafter,” he says. Plastic tongue scrapers, like toothbrushes, need to be replaced every three to four months of regular use.
Added Features
If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, you may want to look for added features in a tongue scraper. Some tongue scrapers include a case for storage or a pouch for traveling. Some scrapers deliver extra cleaning power by combining bristles for brushing and ridges and edges for scraping—so you can choose the technique that’s right for you.
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Stephanie Valera has written and edited articles for Mashable, Everyday Health, Weather.com, HuffPost, and CBSNewYork.com, among other publications. She was previously editorial director at the environmental organization NRDC, content director at Ziff Davis, and deputy editor at The Weather Channel Digital, where she covered breaking weather news and reported, wrote, and edited features on climate, environment, health, travel, and lifestyle. She has also held editorial positions at CBS, NBC, and BBC America.
She adds that you don’t need to use too much force, but enough to feel like you’re removing the layer of debris coating your tongue.
