Dentists Say These Tongue Scrapers Can Lead to Fresher Breath and Better Oral Health

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When it comes to maintaining oral health, we usually focus on keeping our teeth in tip-top shape by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. But it turns out that a tongue scraper might be the one of the best dental gadgets you can add to your oral hygiene routine. The best tongue scrapers help promote a cleaner mouth and are even an effective bad breath treatment.

Meet the experts: Michael J. Wei, D.D.S., a cosmetic dentist; Richard Lipari, D.D.S., a cosmetic and general dentist at Lipari & Mangiameli Dentistry in Chappaqua, New York

“A tongue scraper is a tool used to help keep the tongue clean and free of bacteria, food debris, and other toxins. It can help to reduce bad breath, remove discoloration, and reduce the buildup of bacteria on the tongue,” explains Michael J. Wei, D.D.S., a cosmetic dentist. “Tongue scraping can also help to improve the sense of taste, as it removes the coating that can form on the tongue.”

These curved tools are designed to fit the shape of the tongue and are made of metal or plastic, Wei explains. However, since there are lots of options on the market, it can be difficult to know which to choose—or how and when to use one.

Our top picks

Ahead, dentists share the best tongue scrapers available, the benefits of adding one of these tools to your mouth health routine, and exactly how to use the device.

Tongue Cleaner

“This is a classic tongue scraper that is made from stainless steel and is designed to be gentle on the tongue while effectively removing bad breath-causing bacteria,” explains Wei. “The curved shape of the scraper easily reaches all areas of the tongue, allowing for a thorough clean.”

Tongue Cleaner

This pack of disposable tongue cleaners is made with recycled plastic and offers a quick and easy way to clean your tongue without worrying about also cleaning your dental gadget. “Everyone wants to avoid disposable everything, however…when it comes to good oral hygiene, keeping out bad bacteria is vital,” one reviewer wrote. “I prefer disposable tongue scrapers for convenience!”

Tongue Scraper

“This tongue cleaner is made with soft, flexible bristles that are gentle on the tongue while helping to remove bacteria and debris,” says Wei. “The handle is ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip and the long-lasting bristles are easy to clean.” Plus, it’s a best-seller on Amazon with a 4.6 star rating.

Tongue Scraper

This tongue scraper from BreathRx is specifically designed to reduce bad breath by getting rid of odor-causing bacteria on the tongue. Its double-sided design, curved edge, and flexible handle “allows for deep cleansing of the tongue's surface,” says Wei, who appreciates that its “unique design also allows for one-handed cleaning and easy disposal of bacteria and food particles.”

Tongue Scraper

This tongue scraper from Boka is a “favorite” of Richard Lipari, D.D.S., a cosmetic and general dentist at Lipari & Mangiameli Dentistry in Chappaqua, New York who explains that he prefers stainless steel products as they are easy to clean. He notes that this tongue scraper “has a user-friendly design,” and reviewers love that it leaves them with a fresh, clean feeling after use.

Tongue Scraper

This tongue scraper boasts over 7,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and has an array of features that customers love—like an ergonomically designed, flexible handle and a wide scraping edge. “I am quite pleased with this one. It is a comfortable size, easy to hold and use and effectively cleans the tongue,” wrote one reviewer. “I like that it is stainless steel and comes with a nice travel case.”

Tongue Scraper Cleaner

This multipack comes with four tongue scrapers with its own ventilated travel cases, making this options perfect for families. Each scraper has a wide opening and non-slip handles to help you reach every corner of your mouth. “I bought on recommendation from a dental hygienist,” one five-star reviewer wrote. “Easy to use, painless. Only had it for a few days but I *feel * cleaner, so that's good!” Another notes that “the colors help everyone keep track of their own tool.”

Tongue Cleaner

“This tongue cleaner is made of stainless steel and is designed to be comfortable and effective,” explains Wei. He also notes that “the curved shape of the cleaner easily reaches all parts of the tongue and the smooth finish prevents any irritation or scratches,” making this a great pick for those who find other options too sharp.

How to choose the best tongue scraper

✔️Choose the right material: Both Wei and Lipari recommend looking for a tongue scraper made from stainless steel, but you can also find a quality tongue scraper made of copper or plastic. However, Wei cautions against choosing a plastic version that contains BPA or PVC, “as these materials can contain toxins.”

✔️Consider the shape: “Look for a tongue scraper with a handle that is comfortable to hold and use,” Wei recommends. “It should be long enough to comfortably reach the back of the tongue. The scraping edge should be curved to fit the shape of the tongue.”

✔️Look for additional features: While most tongue scrapers work similarly, there are some extras you can look out for, like a wide opening for a more thorough “scraping” says Wei. Some also have multiple scraping edges or bristles. Plus, if you travel frequently you may want to choose a product that comes with a travel case for easy toting.

How to use a tongue scraper

To use a tongue scraper, Wei says to first place the curved side of the scraper at the back of your tongue and then pull forward, repeating the motion several times to remove buildup and leave you with a cleaner, fresher mouth.

How do tongue scrapers work?

“The purpose of a tongue scraper is to remove the bacteria and debris that builds up on your tongue over the course of the day,” Lipari explains. “It primarily can address halitosis which is the technical term for ‘bad breath.’”

How often should you scrape your tongue?

Wei recommends using a tongue scraper twice a day for maximum effectiveness. He suggests using it in the morning and evening after brushing or after each meal.

How we chose the best tongue scrapers

We consulted Michael J. Wei, D.D.S., cosmetic dentist and Richard Lipari, D.D.S., a cosmetic and general dentist at Lipari & Mangiameli Dentistry in Chappaqua, New York. We also conducted our own research and poured through hundreds of customer reviews in order to select the best tongue scrapers available.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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