We all put in a lot of thought while choosing the suitable toothpaste and toothbrush. But how many of us invest the same amount of time in selecting a tongue scraper? Not many do. Not cleaning your tongue right after brushing your teeth might result in a foul odour. So, to keep your tongue clean and healthy, you will have to include a tongue scraper in your teeth-brushing ritual.
With the overwhelming choices for tongue scrapers available in the market, choosing the right one might feel daunting. This article discusses the different types of tongue scrapers with pros and cons.
What Does A Tongue Scraper Do?
Tongue scrapers or tongue cleaners are generally used right after brushing to clean your tongue, thereby completing your oral care routine. Unfortunately, our tongue builds up a white layer with all the food we eat, making the germs and bacteria flourish, becoming a hotbed. But by using a tongue scraper, you will be able to get rid of the white build-up from your tongue efficiently.
So, scraping your tongue regularly after brushing your teeth will get rid of germs and bacteria by preventing the formation of the white layer, revealing a healthy and fresh tongue.
Types Of Tongue Scrapers:
Here are the different types of tongue scrapers:
1. Traditional tongue scraper:
These tongue scrapers have a broad head and appropriately sharpened body used to scrape the tongue. An elongated body serves as a grip. The traditional tongue scrapers are the most popular and easy-to-find scrapers.
2. U-shaped tongue scraper:
As the name suggests, this tongue scraper has two ends you can hold with both your hands, while the loopy middle portion is used to scrape your tongue from backwards to forward.
3. Tongue brushes:
If you are looking for intense cleaning, tongue brushes are an excellent option. You can use the broad, relatively sharp and wide tip to scrub your tongue’s surface with the help of the soft and gentle bristles. If you are a person whose white layer on the tongue doesn’t go away by merely scraping your tongue, then the combination of brush and tongue-scaper work effectively.
4. Toothbrushes:
Several brands produce toothbrushes that work as a tongue cleaner and a brush. The tongue scraper side of the brush helps scrub away all the debris from your tongue with the help of the featured gentle and short bristles. But without the scraper, the debris might settle back on the tongue.
5. Disposable tongue scraper:
Suppose you are a person who travels often and doesn’t want the hassle of cleaning and caring for your tongue scraper. In that case, a Disposable tongue scraper can be an excellent option. However, as the name suggests, these scrapers are made of plastic and should be thrown away after one use.
Best Tongue Scrapers:
Here we have listed you with the best tongue scrapers available in the market that will help you keep your tongue healthy and clean.
1. Breath Rx Tongue Scraper:
Breath Rx is the best type of tongue scraper when you are too busy to sterilize your tongue cleaner. However, it won’t let you compromise on your oral hygiene by coming to the rescue. You can get a good hold with wider and rounder ends of the product. At the same time, there are ridges on both sides, made from safe to use plastic. You can reach your tongue’s back with this tongue scraper because of its flexibility.
Pros:
- It is easy to use and flexible.
- The product’s profile is slim.
- It doesn’t gag.
- It offers a good grip.
- It helps eliminate odours.
- It helps sweep away debris and food.
Cons:
- Some people might find it expensive.
Ratings: 4.6/5.
2. DR. TUNG’S TONGUE CLEANER:
This Dr Tung’s tongue cleaner is a tiny, portable, hygienic stainless steel product that helps clean your tongue with soft grip handles. You also get a good grip with the circular points on the handles. In addition, it is super sturdy and has chunky handles that help you clean the tongue efficiently. It also enables you to regularly eliminate bad breath, plaque build-up, and germ layer on the tongue.
Pros:
- It has a curved edge.
- It is adjustable.
- It is gentle on the tongue.
- It is a stainless steel tongue cleaner.
- Two-handed design.
- Freshens breath by eliminating bacteria.
Cons:
- It might not be as flexible.
Ratings: 4.7/5.
3. Basic Concepts Tongue Scraper:
Suppose you are looking for a tongue scraper that is good for you. In that case, the Basic concepts tongue scraper is an excellent option that gives has ergonomic new-age design and steel body of the traditional tongue cleaners. Moreover, it helps eliminate bad breath because of the white layer on the tongue, which is durable and long-lasting. It helps clean every nook and corner of your tongue with its super-wide surface.
Pros:
- It is durable.
- It is made from medical-grade stainless steel.
- BPA-free.
- It is easy to sterilize.
- The grip’s handle has a non-slip feature.
- It also has a hanging hole.
- It is rust-proof.
Cons:
- It might make some people gag occasionally.
Ratings: 4.6/5.
4. Peak Essentials Tongue Scraper:
This is a dentist-recommended tongue scraper by Peak essentials that deserves your attention and is an ideal choice for people who like to brush their tongue instead of scraping. It helps eliminate dirt and germ build-up with its round surface with bristles all over, which are hard enough to scrub your tongue. In addition, you will be able to eliminate the odour if you use it regularly.
Pros:
- Easy and safe to use.
- BPA-free product.
- A dentist designed it.
- It has soft bristles.
- It helps fight bad breath.
- It is gentle on your tongue.
Cons:
- Cleaning the back of your tongue might cause gagging.
Ratings: 4.6/5.
5. Orabrush Tongue Scraper:
This Orabrush tongue scraper is the best tongue scraper for a white tongue that features both tongue cleaner and brush. It helps completely take care of your oral health with its thoughtful and innovative design. You can get rid of the gunk while you gargle by effectively scrubbing off the white layer with the help of bristles. Additionally, it ensures you have a fresh breath throughout the day by loosening stinky bacteria since it is designed after the surgeon’s scrub brush.
Pros:
- It doubles as a brush.
- It has ultra-soft bristles.
- It helps fight bad breath.
- It helps eliminate bacteria.
- It scrubs off the white layer on your tongue.
- Innovative design.
Cons:
- It might not be durable.
Ratings: 4.7/5.
[See More: Best Whitening Toothpastes]
6. The Tongue Cleaner:
This is the best tongue cleaner for adults and kids that helps clean your tongue flawlessly, as the name suggests. You can manueuver the product easily that reaches the back of your tongue with the help of the slight bend at the neck of the scraper. It is also a preferred tongue cleanser for kids and toddlers because its ideal length lets even smaller hands hold them.
Pros:
- Kids can also use it.
- It has a sturdy build.
- Durable.
- Its surface is extra wide.
- It requires minimal pressure.
- It doesn’t hurt your taste buds.
Cons:
- It might not be as rounded.
Ratings: 4.8/5.
7. Scrape Your Tongue, Tongue scraper:
Scrape your tongue is a tongue scraper that offers a grip that helps reach every corner of your tongue with its two circular discs. This product has a retro look that adds a smile to your face and is made with steel. You will be able to get fresh breath by buffing away the build-up on your tongue with the help of the ridges on this tongue scraper. In addition, because of its compact size, it is travel-friendly.
Pros:
- It doesn’t cause gagging.
- It is 100% recyclable.
- BPA-free.
- Travel-friendly.
- It has an easy grip.
- It gives you fresher breath.
Cons:
- Some people might find it too small.
Ratings: 4.5/5.
8. So Fresh Oral Care Tongue Scraper:
Complete your daily oral care routine with the help of the SoFresh Oral care tongue scraper, which has a beautiful design. It helps prevent the odour-causing bacteria by efficiently eliminating the food particles from your tongue. The curvature of your tongue matches the concave shape of this tongue scraper, making the cleaning process more efficient without having to gag.
Pros:
- There are colour variants available.
- Sturdy construction.
- It is easy to clean.
- BPA-free.
- Its shape is concave.
- It eliminates odour-causing bacteria.
Cons:
- It might be too sharp for some people.
Ratings: 4.8/5.
9. Moosec Professional Tongue Scraper:
Moosec professional tongue scraper is the best tongue scraper for lousy breath with functional heads on both sides. It helps loosen food particles and germ layer from your tongue with one side. The other side helps eliminate the gunk. The three layers present in this scraper helps clean your tongue effectively. The product is made of stainless steel and features silicone bristles that are durable and versatile.
Pros:
- It is easy to use.
- It is a three-layer scraper.
- It is a soft tongue brush.
- It is rust-proof.
- It is easy to use and clean.
- It has an ergonomic design.
- Durable.
Cons:
- The sharpness of this product is not good.
Ratings: 4.3/5.
10. Mastermedi Tongue Scraper with Travel Case:
The Mastermedi tongue scraper made from medical-grade stainless steel helps you get rid of gunk and lousy breath while being gentle. Using this scraper regularly will get rid of white build-up, giving you instant fresh breath. In addition, it is resistant to mould and rust because of the high-quality material. This metal scraper in the shape of U doesn’t let you gag while helping you flex. This product is an excellent alternative to a plastic-coated tongue scraper because its handles are made from non-synthetic materials. Its body is made with stainless steel.
Pros:
- The design is ergonomic.
- It is flexible.
- It has non-synthetic handles.
- It doesn’t cause gagging.
- It is easy to sterilize.
- Rust-proof.
Cons:
- None.
Ratings: 4.7/5.
[See More: Best SLS-Free Toothpastes]
11. Orabrush Tongue Cleaner:
The Orabrush Tongue Cleaner features ultra-soft, micro-pointed bristles designed to loosen and remove bacteria and debris from the tongue’s surface.
Pros:
- Ultra-soft bristles for gentle but effective cleaning.
- Ergonomic handle for comfortable grip and control.
- It helps reduce bad breath by eliminating odour-causing bacteria.
- Durable construction for long-lasting use.
Cons:
- It may require multiple passes for thorough cleaning.
- Some may find the bristles too soft for their preference.
- Requires regular replacement to maintain effectiveness.
Ratings: 4.5/5.
12. Dr. Tung’s Tongue Cleaner:
Dr. Tung’s Tongue Cleaner features a curved cleaning edge and comfortable non-slip handle, providing efficient removal of bacteria and debris for fresher breath and improved oral hygiene.
Pros:
- The curved cleaning edge reaches deep into the crevices of the tongue.
- A non-slip handle offers a secure grip for precise control.
- It is made from stainless steel for durability and easy cleaning.
- Suitable for individuals with sensitive gag reflexes.
Cons:
- Some users may find the stainless steel tongue scraper construction too harsh on the tongue.
- Requires regular cleaning to prevent bacterial build-up.
- It may cause discomfort if not used gently.
Ratings: 4.6/5
13. GUM Dual Action Tongue Cleaner:
The GUM Dual Action Tongue Cleaner features a unique design with a narrow head for reaching the back of the tongue and a wider head for cleaning the front, effectively removing plaque and bacteria for fresher breath.
Pros:
- The dual-sided design provides thorough cleaning of the entire tongue surface.
- The narrow head reaches deep into the throat without triggering the gag reflex.
- The broad head removes debris from the front of the tongue with ease.
- Comfortable handle for easy maneuverability.
Cons:
- It may not be as effective for individuals with a heavily coated tongue.
- Some users may find the handle too short for comfortable use.
- Requires regular replacement to maintain hygiene.
Ratings: 4.4/5
14. Tongue Sweeper Model P:
The Tongue Sweeper Model P features a stainless-steel construction with a smooth cleaning edge, efficiently removing bacteria and debris for fresher breath and improved oral health.
Pros:
- It is made from medical-grade stainless steel for durability and hygiene.
- A smooth cleaning edge eliminates bacteria without irritating them.
- The ergonomic handle offers a comfortable grip for precise control.
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Cons:
- It may feel too rigid for users with sensitive tongues.
- The initial learning curve for optimal use.
- It has a higher price point compared to a plastic tongue scraper.
Ratings: 4.7/5.
15. HealthAndYoga(TM) Surgical Grade Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner Scraper:
The HealthAndYoga(TM) Tongue Cleaner Scraper is crafted from surgical-grade stainless steel with a broad cleaning surface, effectively removing bacteria and toxins for fresher breath and improved oral hygiene.
Pros:
- Surgical-grade stainless steel construction ensures durability and hygiene.
- This metal tongue scarper ensures its broad cleaning surface covers more area with each stroke.
- Non-gagging design for comfortable use.
- Easy to clean and sterilize for long-term use.
Cons:
- Some users may find the handle too short for proper control.
- It may cause discomfort if not used gently.
- Requires regular maintenance to prevent bacterial build-up.
Ratings: 4.6/5
How To Choose A Tongue Scraper:
We have listed some simple tips you should keep in mind when you are purchasing a tongue scraper:
- Choose a tongue scraper that will help you eliminate the grime off from the back of your tongue while being easy to use.
- Tongue scrapers are usually made with stainless steel and plastic. The stainless steel tongue scraper lasts longer compared to its counterpart. So choose a tongue scaper made with superior material, though it depends on personal preference.
- As we already mentioned in the article about the types of tongue scrapers, you can choose the one that makes you feel comfortable and are efficient.
- Choose a tongue scraper that is suitable to pack for travel.
We all are very mindful while choosing a toothpaste or toothbrush. But if you wish to complete your oral care routine, adding a tongue scraper is necessary. A tongue scraper helps eliminate the debris from your tongue, keeping your tongue healthy. To make the selection process more accessible, we have presented you with the best tongue scrapers in the market you can choose from. Don’t forget to let us know if you found the article helpful!
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Q1. When is the correct time to use a tongue scraper?
Ans: After brushing your teeth, using a tongue scraper helps ensure there is no collection of toothpaste on your tongue. Therefore, it is recommended to use a tongue scraper after brushing your teeth.
Q2. Is there a chance of damage to the taste buds while using a tongue scraper?
Ans: Although tongue scrapers efficiently clean your tongue without causing any harm with their design, choosing a tongue scraper with a sharp surface is best.
Q3. How many times should we use a tongue scraper?
Ans: If you wish to have a perfectly clean tongue, it is suggested to use a tongue scraper twice a day. This way, you will distinguish between flavours well and feel fresh.
