I have seen quite a few videos about tongue scraping lately, and when I watched Brian Jonson’s oral health routine, I wanted to know if I needed to add it to my morning routine. I used to have a toothbrush with a tongue cleaning part on the other side, but I want to explore the best practices and scientific studies to ensure I do it properly and use the best tongue scraper.
In this article, I will highlight the proven benefits of tongue scraping and explain the differences between different tools so you can choose the one that is right for you. I will explain the differences between stainless steel and copper tongue scrapers and list the best options to buy so you can choose the best tongue scraper.
What Are Proven Benefits Of Tongue Scrapers?Â
- Reduces Bad Breath: Tongue scraping is proven to be 75% more effective for eliminating bad breath than other oral hygiene methods like toothbrushes(1), and is the most effective when combined with other oral hygiene practices, such as using mouthwash. (2)(3)(7)
- Improves Oral Hygiene: While tongue scraping does not significantly reduce the overall bacterial population on the tongue, it removes tongue coating, which can have bad bacteria. (6)
- Enhanced Taste Sensation: A coated tongue can dull taste buds. Removing it allows your taste buds to work better, improving your sense of taste.(5)
- Improve Gum Health: Tongue scraping can help improve gum health in people with gingivitis by reducing inflammation and improving oral health markers.(3)
Best Materials for Tongue Scrapers
There are tongue scrapers made from plastic, stainless steel, and copper. If you are not sensitive to metals, I would not recommend a plastic tongue scraper to avoid microplastics. Metal tongue scrapers also last much longer.Â
If you are unsure which tongue scraper is better, here is a comparison between stainless steel and copper tongue scrapers.
| Antimicrobial Properties | Not naturally antimicrobial but easy to clean | Naturally antimicrobial, kills bacteria |
| Durability | Highly durable, rust-resistant, and long-lasting | Durable but oxidizes over time |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, dishwasher-safe, easy to clean | Requires regular cleaning to prevent tarnish |
| Effectiveness | Effectively removes bacteria and debris | Equally effective, with additional antimicrobial benefits |
| Ayurvedic Preference | Neutral, widely used in modern hygiene | Preferred in Ayurveda for its detoxifying properties |
| Taste Preservation | It helps maintain taste perception | It may enhance taste perception with additional detox benefits |
| Eco-Friendliness | Sustainable and recyclable | Sustainable, but requires more upkeep |
| Price | Generally affordable and widely available | Slightly more expensive due to copper’s properties |
| Who Should Use It? | Great for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and maintain scraper | Ideal for those who follow Ayurveda or want added antibacterial properties |
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The Best Tongue Scrapers
MasterMedi Tongue Scraper
MasterMedi is one of the most known and reputable tongue scraper brands that uses the best quality 304 food grade stainless steel for their tools.Â
TruLife Copper Tongue Scraper
This tongue scraper is made from 100% natural copper metal for ultimate strength. U-shaped tongue scraper is rust-proof, BPA-free, durable, and long-lasting.Â
Vastmed 2PCs Medical Grade Stainless Steel Tongue Scraper Â
The Vastmed tongue scraper is made from premium surgical stainless steel, ensuring superior durability and rust resistance.Â
Mouthology Tongue Scraper with Case, Reusable Stainless Steel Tongue CleanerÂ
Rust-proof, 100% Stainless Steel: Each tongue scraper metal features a curved line to fit your tongue. These reusable tongue scrapers are long-lasting and durable.
GuruNanda Stainless Steel Tongue Scraper for Adults
420 surgical medical grade steel tongue scraper for adults is rust-proof & stain-resistant, cleans plaque gently for improved sense of taste
Mouthology Soft Bristle Tongue Brush
If you have a metal allergy or sensitivity or are a bit heavy-handed and would like to try something softer, I would recommend a tongue scraper with bristles. Yes, it is plastic, but at least you are not scraping plastic on your tongue.Â
If you don’t want to invest in a tongue scraper, use a tablespoon, clean it, and set it aside for tongue scraping. Â
How to clean your tongue scraperÂ
To keep your stainless steel or copper tongue scraper clean and hygienic, rinse it with warm water after each use and wash it with mild soap and a soft sponge. You can also clean stainless steel in the dishwasher if it’s labeled dishwasher-safe.Â
Weekly, deep clean by soaking in 1 part vinegar and two parts water for 10–15 minutes or scrubbing with baking soda and lemon. For copper, avoid dishwashers and remove tarnish using a lemon slice with salt, vinegar and salt soak, or a baking soda paste. Always rinse thoroughly and dry immediately to prevent water spots, rust, or tarnish, and store in a dry place.
How to use a tongue scraperÂ
There are no guidelines on how often you should clean your. However, some research suggests that one time a day should be enough .You should scrape your tongue as soon as you wake up before you have your first drink.Â
Stick your tongue out and move your scraper forward ( rinsing your scraper after each pass) until all the white coating is gone. Make sure to clean your tongue gently, not using too much pressure, not to cut or damage your tongue.You should only clean the top of your tongue, not the sides. (8)Â
To Summarise, what are the best tongue scrapers?
The best tongue scraper is the one you use. As mentioned before, you don’t need to buy a fancy tongue scraper to reap the benefits; a tablespoon will do the job.
Have you incorporated a tongue scraper into your morning routine? Let me know in the comments if you notice any benefits. Â
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References
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-  Dudzik, A., Sozkes, S., Michalak, E., & Olszewska-Czyż, I. (2021). Efficacy of a Zinc Lactate Mouthwash and Tongue Scraping in the Reduction of Intra-Oral Halitosis: A Single-blind, Controlled, Crossover Clinical Trial—A Pilot Study. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10235532.
- Faveri, M., Hayacibara, M., Pupio, G., Cury, J., Tsuzuki, C., & Hayacibara, R. (2006). A cross-over study on the effect of various therapeutic approaches to morning breath odour.. Journal of clinical periodontology, 33 8, 555-60 . https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1600-051X.2006.00955.X.
- Acar, B., Berker, E., Tan, Ç., Ilarslan, Y., Tekçiçek, M., & Tezcan, I. (2018). Effects of oral prophylaxis including tongue cleaning on halitosis and gingival inflammation in gingivitis patients—a randomized controlled clinical trial. Clinical Oral Investigations, 23, 1829 – 1836. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-018-2617-5.
- Faveri, M., Hayacibara, M., Pupio, G., Cury, J., Tsuzuki, C., & Hayacibara, R. (2006). A cross-over study on the effect of various therapeutic approaches to morning breath odour.. Journal of clinical periodontology, 33 8, 555-60 . https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1600-051X.2006.00955.X.
- Quirynen, M., Avontroodt, P., Soers, C., Zhao, H., Pauwels, M., & Steenberghe, D. (2004). Impact of tongue cleansers on microbial load and taste.. Journal of clinical periodontology, 31 7, 506-10 . https://doi.org/10.1111/J.0303-6979.2004.00507.X.
- CharlesZachary, R., Lipat, K., Yveth, A., Aquino, P., Solmeron, P., Verano, P., Denielle, S., Villones, M., & , C. (2020). Tongue Scraping: A Reduction of Bacterial Count in the Oral Cavity. .
- Mattos, M., Neves, A., Tanaka, O., Maia, L., Coqueiro, R., & Pithon, M. (2019). Effectiveness of tongue scraper in reducing halitosis in orthodontic patients: a clinical study. Revista Portuguesa de Estomatologia, Medicina Dentária e Cirurgia Maxilofacial. https://doi.org/10.24873/j.rpemd.2019.10.459.
- https://nutritionfacts.org/video/does-tongue-scraping-cause-cancer/
- https://nutritionfacts.org/video/how-tongue-scraping-can-affect-heart-health/
Silvija Meilunaite PN1-NC, is a certified nutrition coach and a writer in the nutrition and self-improvement field with a passion for exploring science-based knowledge focusing on holistic health and plant-based nutrition.
Featured in the Wellness on Time magazine.
