Maintaining excellent oral care requires a rigorous routine.
Two minutes of brushing twice daily, trips to the hygienist, minty mouthwash and meticulous flossing - it’s a lot of steps but it is all vitally important to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
One commonly overlooked segment of close oral examination is tongue cleaning. According to Healthline: “Tongue cleaning has been practised in the Eastern world for hundreds of years. Studies suggest cleaning your tongue regularly can reduce unwanted mouth bacteria that can lead to bad breath, a coated tongue, plaque buildup, and other oral health conditions.”
Do tongue scrapers work?
The most popular products for tongue cleaning include tongue scrapes, toothbrushes and mouthwash. A 2006 report noted that tongue scrapers were the most effective tool for keeping your tongue squeaky clean, proving to be more efficient than a classic toothbrush. Dr Tim Bradstock-Smith, Cosmetic Dentist and Founder of The London Smile Clinic confirms, “As a dentist, I can affirm that tongue scrapers do indeed work effectively. They are designed to remove bacteria, food particles and dead cells from the surface of the tongue, which are often responsible for bad breath and can contribute to other oral health issues. Regular use of a tongue scraper can help improve your sense of taste, reduce the occurrence of bad breath, and contribute to overall oral hygiene by decreasing the bacterial load in your mouth.”
How to use a tongue scraper
Like teeth brushing, tongue cleaning can be practised twice a day, in the morning and before bed. The process is fairly simple. Scrape from the back to the tip of your tongue two to five times. Bish bash bosh. Dr Tim Bradstock-Smith stresses that “It’s important to apply gentle pressure as scraping too hard can cause irritation”.
How to clean a tongue scraper
The dentist adds “Cleaning your tongue scraper is simple but crucial for maintaining hygiene. After each use, rinse the scraper thoroughly with warm water to remove any residual debris. For a deeper clean, you can periodically wash it with mild soap and water, or soak it in a solution of water and a small amount of mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes. Ensure that you rinse it well afterwards to remove any cleaning agents. If you use a metal tongue scraper, it can often be sterilised by boiling it in water for a few minutes. For plastic scrapers, check the manufacturer’s instructions as some may not be suitable for high temperatures. Keeping your tongue scraper clean will help ensure it remains effective and hygienic”.
It may not seem like the chicest of routines, but experts swear by the process. Speaking to Vanity Fair, Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski said that: “I use a tongue scraper. They are absolutely disgusting. You should never show anyone what comes out of your tongue, but I highly recommend them. It is a massive game changer. Your toothbrush just doesn’t get all your stuff out of your tongue.”
Discover the best tongue cleaners and keep your major mouth muscle in tip-top shape.
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MasterMedi Tongue Scraper with Travel Case (2 Pack)
Travel with two tongue scrapers in tow. This duo is made from medical-grade stainless steel and will prevent bad breath while maintaining overall mouth hygiene. An ergonomic design makes it simple to use, so it’s a great pick for first-time scrapers. You get bang for your buck with two for the price of one.
Buy now £7.49, Amazon
DenTek Orabrush Tongue Cleaner
Ward off bad breath with DenTek’s tongue cleaner The item has received highly positive reviews and features soft, micro-pointed bristles that reach deep into the uneven crevices of your tongue to loosen bacteria. It also has an ergonomic handle for easy use.
Buy now £5.25, Boots
HouChanges Stainless Steel Tongue Scraper
A simple, no-fuss pick, this tongue cleaner provides a spa day for your mouth. Made from medical-grade stainless steel, the tool works by gliding smoothly against your tongue. Worried about your gag reflex acting up? The shape is designed to reduce the vomiting reflex, meaning you can feel at ease with every scrape.
Buy now £3.68, Amazon
RONAVO Tongue Scraper
Perfect for at-home, office and travel use, this dentist-approved tongue cleaner is a solid choice. The tool’s spoon-structured scraping head fits the tongue effortlessly, making the process that much breezier. Feel confident knowing bad breath is always kept at bay with this product added to your washbag.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
HOKIN Store Tongue Scraper
Considering we spend a fortune on maintaining our pearly whites, it’s preferable to keep costs down elsewhere when possible. This affordable duo of tongue scrapers is designed to remove bacteria and debris from the tongue. More durable than plastic alternatives, this buy is suitable for all - even pets.
Buy now £2.95, Amazon
Urban Veda Ayurvedic Tongue Scraper
Engage in a ritual practised for over 5,000 years with Urban Veda’s tongue cleaner. The age-old Ayurvedic method of tongue cleaning is an effective approach to oral hygiene. This Ayurvedic tongue scraper is made from 100 per cent pure and naturally antibacterial copper which freshens the breath and decongests the tongue. A must-have for oral care enthusiasts.
Buy now £9.49, healf.
Arista Tongue Scraper
Promote a happy gut by removing bacteria from the tongue. Arista’s one-pack is the sleekest pick on the market, complete with a 100 per cent copper tool that removes white coatings and stains from the tongue. Not only is the scraper designed for simple, everyday use, but it improves taste, making each bite more delicious than the last.
Buy now £5.95, Amazon
YogaMedic Tongue Scraper 2 Pack
A zen-looking two-set for those seeking confidence in their oral care, YogaMedic’s duo is also made from 100 per cent copper, giving the tools a contemporary look that refines your cleaning experience. Enjoy enriched taste sensations and your newfound sense of confidence when socialising after incorporating this two-pack into your oral care routine. Travel case included.
Buy now £7.99, Amazon
Boka Rasana Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner with Linen Travel Pouch
Wrapped up in a smart linen travel pouch, this set puts the class back into your oral care. Perfectly packable for work meetings abroad or long-haul flights, the set of scrapers boasts a stainless steel structure and the results are instant - you only need to look to the endless five-star reviews to prove it.
Buy now £10.00, Amazon
sayaah The Sweeper The Modern Tongue Scraper
A snazzy tongue scraper for those with a taste for the finer things in life, sayaah’s The Sweeper tongue scraper ticks all the boxes. Designed by award-winning industry professionals and made using medical-grade stainless steel, the teal-toned tool removes 90 per cent of odour-causing bacteria from your tongue's surface in a jiffy. Plus, it comes with a Vegan Flex Silicone Travel Case included with every order. Add to shopping basket pronto.
Buy now £22.50, Amazon
