We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Oral & Dental Products The 9 Best Tongue Scrapers for a Cleaner Mouth, Backed by Dental Experts Plus, the right way to use them By Lacey Muinos Lacey Muinos Lacey is a professional writer living in Southern California. She specializes in fitness, nutrition and various health topics. She not only has a passion for healthy living, but she also practices what she preaches with her longtime vegan diet. Her work has been featured on various well-known sites. Lacey graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She is also host of Guide to Vegan, a blog focused on a plant-based lifestyle. health's editorial guidelines Updated on August 20, 2024 Medically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDS Medically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDS Edmund Khoo, DDS, is an orthodontist and clinical associate professor at the New York University College of Dentistry. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Health.com. He is a seasoned journalist and editor with over two decades of experience, he has held several leadership roles at major publications. health's fact checking process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Types of Tongue Scrapers Our Review Process Our Experts What To Know About Tongue Scrapers Who We Are Health In addition to brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash, cleaning your tongue is an often missed step that can drastically improve oral hygiene. The tongue harbors quite a bit of bacteria, so using a tongue scraper to remove germs can potentially be more effective in improving oral health than brushing your teeth alone, according to a 2004 clinical trial in the Journal of Periodontology.A tongue scraper is a specialized dental tool used to clean the tongue, explains Board-certified orthodontist Marina Gonchar, DMD, founder of Skin to Smile in Morristown, New Jersey. Incorporating these tools can remove sulfur-producing bacteria, which is often the cause of bad breath. It can also eliminate cavity-causing bacteria, reducing the chance of tooth decay in both children and adults. Brushing your tongue is better than not cleaning it at all, but our experts say scraping is most effective. To determine the best tongue scrapers, we consulted with dentists and orthodontists to gather their top recommendations and criteria for selecting the proper tongue scrapers. Though the end goal is the same, there are different varieties of tongue scrapers—they may work by scraping or brushing with bristles. We've included a combination of both since each can be beneficial. In addition to our research, an orthodontist on our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy. Editor's Take I’m an Editor at Health, and I used to think that simply brushing my tongue along with my teeth was enough to keep my mouth clean, but after diving deeper into oral hygiene, I've realized that a tongue scraper is a must-have. Since I started using the DenTek Tongue Cleaner, it’s become an effortless yet effective part of my routine. Not only is it perfect for on-the-go cleaning, but the minty flavor also leaves my mouth feeling extra fresh. It’s one of those small changes that’s made a big difference in how I approach daily oral care, and now, I wouldn’t go without it.-Lauren Paige Richeson, Editor Types of Tongue Scrapers When selecting a tongue scraper, it's important to factor in the type of material and who will be using it. Metal: Made from stainless steel or copper, metal tongue scrapers are typically the easiest to clean and last the longest. They are angular, which makes them effective at scraping, Sean Tomalty, DMD, a dentist and owner of Shoreline Smiles in Jupiter, Florida, says. However, they can be more “intense” than plastic variations, so experts recommend these tools for adults. Plastic: Some prefer the flexibility and gentleness of plastic. These tools are softer, making them ideal for sensitive tongues. Plastic tongue scrapers tend to be a little more forgiving, so they are great for younger patients who might be learning to use a scraper, according to Dr. Tomalty. Our Top Picks Best Overall: mastermedi Tongue Scraper at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best Budget: SALE DenTek Tongue Cleaner at Amazon $9 $6 Jump to Review Best for Kids: Peak Essentials Kids TUNG Brush at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best Multipack: SALE DenTek Orabrush Tongue Cleaner at Amazon $20 $12 Jump to Review Best with Bristles: GUM Tongue Brush & Scraper at Amazon $14 Jump to Review Best for Easy Cleaning: Cafhelp Tongue Scrapers at Amazon $6 Jump to Review Best Stainless Steel: DrTung’s Tongue Scraper at Amazon $18 Jump to Review Best Copper: MasterMedi Tongue Scraper at Amazon $12 Jump to Review Best Attachment: Waterpik Replacement Tongue Cleaners at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best Overall mastermedi Tongue Scraper PHOTO: Amazon $10 $9 at Amazon Why We Like It If you’re looking for a durable tongue scraper that you won’t have to replace for many years to come, stainless steel is the best choice. Our dentists both agree that the MasterMedi Tongue Scraper is the best overall. Dr. Gonchar says this is a simple metal tongue scraper without abrasive bristles. It is made of 100 percent medical-grade stainless steel, is easy to clean, won’t harbor bacteria when properly sanitized, and has the perfect ergonomic shape for its purpose. One problem people often run into with tongue scrapers is gagging, but not with this option. Gagging is a natural but uncomfortable reflex, so this cleaner has an extra-wide design to avoid this. Dr. Tomalty also recommends this tongue scraper as his top pick for its metal material and effective U shape. He also likes a bargain. For less than $5 each, you can have a tongue scraper that will never go bad, he says, adding that the MasterMedi will be “the last scraper you’ll ever need to buy.” It’s Worth Noting Though it’s more sanitary, some people prefer the gentleness of plastic cleaners. Product Details: Material: 100% medical grade stainless steelQuantity: 2Storage Case: Yes Best Budget DenTek Tongue Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $9 $6 at Amazon Why We Like It This DenTek Tongue Cleaner is made of sturdy plastic, so it’s not as flimsy as other options that aren’t rigid enough to clean the tongue effectively. It has a unique triple-edge design that scrubs, lifts, and scrapes away bacteria with each swipe. To clean hard-to-reach places, it has a curved head that’s easy to maneuver and unlikely to trigger the gag reflex. This scraper by DenTek is an affordable entry into tongue cleaning, but you should replace it as often as your toothbrush. According to the American Dental Association, that would be every three to four months. It’s Worth Noting Since it's made of plastic, it needs to be replaced every so often. Product Details: Material: PlasticQuantity: 2Storage Case: No Best for Kids Peak Essentials Kids TUNG Brush PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon Why We Like It Cavities, or tooth decay, are among the most common childhood health conditions in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the Cleveland Clinic, tongue scraping may help prevent cavities, so parents should consider incorporating a tongue scraper or cleaner. The Original Kids TUNG Brush by Peak Essentials is kid-sized to minimize gagging and reach the nooks and crannies on little tongues. It’s shaped like a toothbrush with a round head to cover more surface area. Like a toothbrush, it also has bristles on the low-profile head to add toothpaste or gel to cleanse odor-causing bacteria on the tongue. These tongue scrapers make oral hygiene more fun and come in the perfect size for children to use comfortably. It’s Worth Noting The bristles are a bit coarse, so you’ll want to be extra gentle. Product Details: Material: PlasticQuantity: 2Storage Case: No Best Multipack DenTek Orabrush Tongue Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $20 $12 at Amazon $17 $15 at Walmart Why We Like It You can clean your tongue using your toothbrush as recommended by the Cleveland Clinic. However, toothbrush bristles may be too abrasive for the tongue. The DenTek Orabrush Tongue Cleaner scrapes and brushes the tongue simultaneously to loosen and remove bacteria that threaten your oral health—all without causing any damage. Dr. Gonchar recommends this tongue scraper for its effective combination of scraping and brushing. Some people feel the bristles add an extra layer of cleanliness, she says. These bristles are ultra-soft and will not damage your tongue. It’s Worth Noting This tongue scraper is best for wide mouths since some user reviews report frequent gagging when using this tongue cleaner. Product Details: Material: PlasticQuantity: 4Storage Case: No Best with Bristles GUM Tongue Brush & Scraper PHOTO: Amazon $14 at Amazon Why We Like It This GUM Dual Action Tongue Cleaner brushes and scrapes which can give some people a better sense of cleanliness. One side scrapes and the other brushes, so they’re not performed in conjunction, making it different from the DenTek Orabrush Tongue Cleaner. The bristles remove food particles, while the scraper eliminates bacteria and the white film that sometimes forms on the tongue's surface. It’s made of plastic, which some people prefer, and it’s not as wide as some tongue cleaners, so it’s a good option for those with a sensitive gag reflex, Dr. Tomalty recommends. It’s Worth Noting You’ll want to use the bristle side with a gentle hand since it can be quite rigid. Product Details: Material: PlasticQuantity: 6Storage Case: No Best for Easy Cleaning Cafhelp Tongue Scrapers PHOTO: Amazon $6 at Amazon Why We Like It Your tongue scraper will come into contact with water daily, so it is essential to choose one that is less likely to rust. This scraper by Cafhelp uses surgical stainless steel, the most corrosion-resistant form of stainless steel. Aside from being easy to clean, it’s also effective for removing thin layers of film on the tongue. It’s double-sided, with one side designed for a more gentle clean. For some, it may be too gentle to get that deep-clean feel with this tool. If you’ve found other tongue scrapers too hard, this one may work for you. It’s Worth Noting Some people may struggle to get a deep clean with the blunt edges. Product Details: Material: 100% surgical stainless steelQuantity: 2Storage Case: Yes Best Stainless Steel DrTung’s Tongue Scraper PHOTO: Amazon $18 at Amazon Why We Like It DrTung is a best-selling tongue cleaner—you may have seen it at your local health food store. The scraper is made of durable and hygienic stainless steel, while the comfort grip handles are made from rubber. Most metal scrapers have metal handles, so this model ensures a more comfortable and even adjustable grip. It features a U shape that Dr. Tomalty is a fan of. The ergonomic edge is curved for effective cleaning, though some may find it too rigid for sensitive tongues. This may be best reserved for more serious cases of bad breath or bacteria where sensitivity isn’t an issue. It’s Worth Noting It’s slightly pricier than other options made from similar materials and may be too. Product Details: Material: Stainless steel scraper with rubber handlesQuantity: 2Storage Case: Yes Best Copper MasterMedi Tongue Scraper PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon Why We Like It Our top pick, the stainless steel MasterMedi Tongue Scraper, also comes in a copper variety. It features a similar design but offers the additional benefits of copper for just a couple of bucks more. Some people prefer copper to stainless steel, which is fine as copper does have additional benefits, Dr. Tomalty says. Copper is toxic to bacteria and can encourage the production of healthy enzymes, which are beneficial for the ‘good’ bacteria we all need. One of the major perks of copper is that bacteria are rapidly killed on its surface, adds Dr. Tomalty. According to Applied and Environmental Microbiology research, this mechanism is called “contact killing,” making copper an antimicrobial metal. This is great news for people with an overgrowth of bacteria in their mouths. Like the stainless steel version, this copper tongue scraper features a U-shape design that’s sturdy enough to remove bacteria effectively but flexible enough to move around. It’s Worth Noting The manufacturer claims it’s resistant to rust, but copper tongue scrapers may rust, tarnish, or discolor over time. Product Details: Material: CopperQuantity: 2Storage Case: Yes Best Attachment Waterpik Replacement Tongue Cleaners PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon Why We Like It If you use a Waterpik water flosser, this attachment will make a nice addition to your oral hygiene routine. It attaches to your water flosser to clean the tongue while spraying it with water to loosen compounds and particles. This attachment combines the scraping action of a regular tongue scraper with the flushing action of a water flosser. Since the tongue can be more sensitive than the teeth, set your Waterpik to the lowest setting. You don’t need high pressure to use this attachment to scrape your tongue, though you can turn up the water pressure slightly. Turn on the unit once the attachment is in your mouth, and use it like a regular tongue scraper. While combining tongue scraping with water pressure sounds effective, it may not be any more effective than using a regular tongue scraper. Since this attachment needs to be replaced every six months, it’s not the most cost-effective method either. It’s Worth Noting It may not be as effective as a standalone tongue scraper. Product Details: Material: PlasticQuantity: 2Storage Case: No Our Review Process In our quest to find the best tongue scrapers, we sought recommendations from doctors and orthodontists based on their clinical experience. They suggested that simple metal tongue cleaners were their top choices, but mentioned that plastic and copper varieties can also be effective for some individuals. We researched a variety of tongue scrapers using criteria provided by the experts. Our Experts The experts we spoke to for guidance on our selections and advice on how to best incorporate tongue cleaners into a dental routine are: Board-certified orthodontist Marina Gonchar, DMD, founder of Skin to Smile in Morristown, New Jersey Sean Tomalty, DMD, a dentist and owner of Shoreline Smiles in Jupiter, Florida What To Know About Tongue Scrapers Benefits of Use Everyone should use a tongue scraper unless advised otherwise by their dentist, Dr. Tomalty suggests. These tools are far more effective at removing bacteria than just brushing your teeth (though brushing is, of course, non-negotiable). While most people can benefit from using a tongue scraper, for one-third of people affected by halitosis (the fancy term for bad breath), these tools can be life-changing. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, poor oral hygiene can cause bad breath, but this can be remedied by incorporating a tongue cleaner.Dr. Gonchar suggests that individuals who frequently breathe through their mouths, especially while sleeping, should consider using a tongue scraper as part of their oral hygiene routine. This can help them detect bad breath caused by an imbalance of oral bacteria. In addition, if you have a white tongue, it could be caused by debris, bacteria, and dead cells or inflammation, per the Cleveland Clinic. A tongue cleaner should help reduce the amount of bacteria in tongue coatings, according to a trial in BMC Oral Health. However, smoking, certain medications, and dry mouth from mouth breathing can also cause a white tongue, so tongue scraping may not always solve the problem. If the issue persists even with improved oral hygiene, it could be a sign of an underlying dental or medical condition that needs to be addressed by a doctor, according to Dr. Gonchar. Frequency of Use Dr. Gonchar recommends using one once daily in the morning to remove any bacteria that may have accumulated overnight and caused bad breath. According to Dr. Tomalty, if your tongue feels sore or sensitive after scraping, you can reduce your frequency to once every other day. Tongue Scrapers vs. Toothbrushes If all you have is your toothbrush, this could get your tongue clean but can also be too harsh. A toothbrush can be used to brush your tongue, but the bristles, even on a soft toothbrush, are often too abrasive and can damage the small papilla of your tongue, Dr. Gonchar explains. So, it’s best to reserve your toothbrush for cleaning your teeth and getting your tongue a dedicated cleaner made for that purpose. How to Use a Tongue Scraper Using a tongue scraper is simple, but it can take some getting used to. Follow these steps to use a basic U-shape tongue scraper: Open your mouth and extend your tongue towards your chin to expose as much surface area as possible. It helps if you do this in front of a mirror.Hold the tongue scraper by the handles and place the narrowest, rounded part near the back of your tongue. If you’re prone to gagging, you can start in the middle.Gently pull the tongue scraper forward toward the tip of your tongue to remove food particles and bacteria. Always pull the scraper to the front of your mouth, never pushing debris to the back.Remove debris from the scraper after each swipe. Keep a tissue or washcloth nearby, or run it under water.Repeat several times, making sure to scrape all areas of the tongue. Wash, dry, and store your tongue scraper according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most plastic cleaners can be soaked in lemon water or used in denture tablets. You can also boil your metal tongue scraper in three parts vinegar and one part salt. Who We Are Lacey Muinos is a writer for Health who takes her oral hygiene seriously. She’s only had two cavities in her entire life, which was enough for her to say, “never again.” She’s been using the stainless steel MasterMedi Tongue Scraper — our top pick — for years and has personally experienced the oral health benefits of using a tongue scraper. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 9 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Pedrazzi V, Sato S, de Mattos Mda G, Lara EH, Panzeri H. Tongue-cleaning methods: A comparative clinical trial employing a toothbrush and a tongue scraper. J Periodontol. 2004;75(7):1009-1012. doi:10.1902/jop.2004.75.7.1009 American Dental Association. Toothbrushes. CDC. Children's oral health. Cleveland Clinic. Does tongue scraping actually work, and should I be doing it? Mathews S, Hans M, Mücklich F, Solioz M. Contact killing of bacteria on copper is suppressed if bacterial-metal contact is prevented and is induced on iron by copper ions. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2013;79(8):2605-2611. doi:10.1128/AEM.03608-12 Veeresha KL, Bansal M, Bansal V. Halitosis: A frequently ignored social condition. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 2011;1(1):9-13. doi:10.4103/2231-0762.86374 Johns Hopkins Medicine. Halitosis (bad breath). Cleveland Clinic. White tongue. Matsui M, Chosa N, Shimoyama Y, Minami K, Kimura S, Kishi M. Effects of tongue cleaning on bacterial flora in tongue coating and dental plaque: a crossover study. BMC Oral Health. 2014;14:4. doi:10.1186/1472-6831-14-4