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Let’s be honest, how many of us consider tongue cleaning as a part of our oral hygiene routine? Not many people take this seriously, and although it might sound a little gross, scraping off the buildup on your tongue is an integral part of oral upkeep. Tongue scraping keeps your breath fresh and lets you taste your food properly. The ideal way to perform a proper tongue cleaning is to invest in a tongue scraper.
However, with such a large number of tongue scrapers available on the market, it can feel impossible to find the one that will be the perfect fit for your oral routine. But don’t worry! In our detailed buyer’s guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know. Plus, we’ve shortlisted the top tongue scrapers of 2024.
Detailing Our Favorite Tongue Scraper of 2024
drTung’s Tongue Scraper — Best Overall
Recommended by the top hygienists in the country, drTung’s Tongue Scraper has been a frontrunner in the industry, and rightfully so. This portable tongue scraper provides a thorough clean without causing discomfort or triggering a gag reflex.
Made in the style of traditional scrapers, this tongue cleaner has two plastic handles with rounded-off edges giving you proper control and a firm grip. The sturdy plastic handles are exceptionally comfortable to hold and allow you to exert the right amount of pressure to quickly and effectively get rid of all the buildup. This best-selling tongue scraper has many impressive features – such as its stainless steel body and an included travel pouch – to make this our best overall choice.
Pros
- Compatible with single and double-handed use
- Made from durable stainless steel
- Extremely gentle on the tongue
- Recommended by industry professionals
Cons
- Overuse may cause damage
mastermedi Tongue Scraper — Most Hygienic
Getting rid of bad breath and plaque buildup has never been easier thanks to the professional-grade tongue scraper by mastermedi. Made from medical-grade stainless steel, this tongue scraper is considered the epitome of oral care. This fast-acting tongue scraper will leave your breath fresh and your tongue free of any white buildup in just minutes.
The scraper comes in a traditional U-shape, making it easy to maneuver over the area of your tongue. Plus, thanks to its ergonomic, easy-to-use design, this tongue scraper gives you complete control over the intensity of the pressure as you clean your tongue. Coming with an included travel case, you’ll never forget to take this along. What’s more, the steel is easy to sterilize, making it the most hygienic scraper on our list.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
- Made of 100% sturdy stainless steel
- Extremely ergonomic, flexible design
Cons
- The U-head may be too wide
BASIC CONCEPTS Tongue Scraper — Best Value
The BASIC CONCEPTS Stainless Steel Tongue Scraper is a testament to why you can never go wrong with a minimalistic design. Made for single-handed use, this tongue cleaner operates more similarly to a toothbrush than some of the other scrapers on this list. This tongue cleaner is exceptionally easy to use and very simple to maintain and upkeep.
What’s more, this tongue scraper is made from stainless steel, which can be easily sterilized and cleaned. The scraper features rounded-off edges at the head to protect sensitive areas in the mouth, and avoid triggering a gag reflex or damaging the surface of your tongue. At such a reasonable price point, all of these features guarantee this tongue scraper is an affordable, high-quality pick.
Pros
- Functional yet affordable
- Durable stainless steel build
- Maneuverable and comfortable to use
Cons
- May be too small for some people
THINKPRICE Tongue Scraper — Most Comfortable
The THINKPRICE Tongue Scraper is a BPA-free tongue cleaner made out of plastic. This tongue scraper’s flexible material avoids any excess pressure on your tongue and keeps you from accidentally injuring your taste buds. Plus, it features a wonderfully incorporated softer plastic to further enhance its utility. This rust-free, long-lasting tongue scraper is sure to do the trick if you’re looking for a soft, convenient option. With an ergonomic handle that’s comfortable to hold, you’ll be reaching for this tongue scraper every night. As an added bonus, this tongue scraper comes with a handy case that makes it portable, allowing you to easily take it with you when you travel.
Pros
- Ergonomic design for comfortable use
- Durable yet flexible build
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Made of BPA-free plastic
Cons
- Not very good for intense tongue cleaning
Cbiumpro Flexible Tongue Scraper — Most Compact
Most tongue scrapers promise to eliminate the white buildup on your tongue, but the Cbiumpro Flexible Tongue Scraper takes it a step further. This tongue scraper ensures that it will eliminate bad breath without causing a bitter, metallic aftertaste. Equipped with a gentle and flexible U-head, the scraper is perfect for sensitive mouths and gums.
What’s more, the handle guarantees a non-slip grip ensuring safety and precise cleaning. Plus, the product's compact design allows you to take it with you no matter where you go so you’ll never have to cut back on your oral hygiene care. Thanks to this handy travel case, we’ve chosen this tongue scraper as our most compact choice.
Pros
- Included travel case and compact design
- Features a gentle, soft U-head
- Flexible head contours to the surface
- Non-slip handles for a secure grip
Cons
- It may lose its edge over time
Buying Guide: Tongue Scraper
Finding the proper tongue scraper for your tongue can be difficult. Our mouths are sensitive and require proper care otherwise we might accidentally harm our tongue or taste buds. This is why choosing the right tongue cleaner is essential. To help, we’ve put together this comprehensive buyer’s guide so you can make the right purchase for your oral health. Let’s take a look!
What You Should Consider When Buying a Tongue Scraper
Material
The most important thing you need to consider when buying a tongue scraper is the material it’s made out of. The material is directly related to how well the tongue cleaner performs. If the product is made from a brittle plastic, it’s likely to break under the slightest amount of pressure. If the material is too harsh – like sharp steel – you might accidentally damage your tongue or taste buds. Look for a stainless steel option with a rounded edge or a plastic tongue scraper that’s flexible and soft.
Comfort of use
A tongue scraper is something you’ll likely use as part of your everyday oral care routine. Because of this, it needs to be comfortable to hold. The comfort depends on the handle design, if it's one-handed or two-handed, and if the handle has soft edges or not. While comfort is entirely up to personal preference, we recommend looking for one that conforms to your hand and is easy to hold.
Maintenance
Because you will be using your scraper almost every day, it will come in contact with water and germs often. If the scraper is made from plastic, it likely has a short life span and you don’t need to worry about maintaining it. If you’re planning to purchase a steel scraper, always choose a rust-resistant option. Also, make sure that the U at the head of the scraper is easy to clean. Most of the germs and buildup will occur here, so you’ll want to be able to easily sterilize it from time to time.
Design
Tongue scrapers come in many shapes and forms. However, not all of them are created equal. Some are more compatible with larger mouths, while some are perfect for a child’s mouth. Before choosing your scraper, make sure you’ve determined it will match your needs. Keep in mind the following design features: one-handed vs two-handed, non-slip handles, and maneuverability.
How to Use a Tongue Scraper
Although using a tongue scraper is reasonably straightforward, as an oral hygiene tool, you can never be too careful. Below, we’ve prepared a step-by-step guide on how to use a tongue scraper. These steps will help you achieve a clean mouth while avoiding accidental injury.
- First, rinse your mouth to soften the plaque build-up on your tongue.
- You can also brush your teeth beforehand to get additional cleansing support from the toothpaste.
- If you have a U-shaped scraper, place the loop of the scraper (the U-head) at the back of your tongue while holding both scrapers handles firmly. Pull the scraper gently forward while keeping it in contact with the surface of your tongue. Rinse off the scraper and your mouth after every pass.
- For a scraper with a head, simply run it across the length of your tongue. Once the buildup comes off, clean it before making another pass.
- After scraping your tongue, properly wash and dry off your tongue scraping tool. Then, gargle to remove any loose plaque from your mouth.
