Editor Tip: Pair this three-pack with the Supersmile Whitening Toothpaste, which, in addition to brightening your teeth, gently whitens veneers and bonding.
Material: Plastic | What’s Included: 3 scrapers
Longest-Lasting: Terra & Co. Gentle Green Tongue Scraper
Why It’s Worth It: The no-frills Terra & Co. Gentle Green Tongue Scraper has grip handles that ensure easy gliding and the wide head offers deeper-than-usual reach. Feel free to scrape your tongue’s surface multiple times, washing with mouthwash between strokes. Terra & Co.’s cofounder, Amra Hajdarevic, previously told Allure that her practice of daily tongue scraping is an Ayurvedic ritual that helps remove ama, which she described as “any accumulation of toxic residue in the mind and body.”
Editor Tip: This stainless steel tongue scraper can last up to a decade with consistent washing and thorough drying, according to the brand.
Material: Stainless steel | What’s Included: 1 scraper
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a tongue scraper?
“Tongue scrapers help exfoliate oral debris and bacteria that accumulate on the surface of the tongue,” explains Joyce Kahng, DDS, a board-certified cosmetic dentist based in New York City. “Similar to exfoliating your face to remove dead skin cells, your tongue experiences cell turnover, too,” she adds. Like your skin, your tongue harbors bacteria, which can build up over time and discolor the tongue’s surface.
To dive further into the anatomy of the tongue, it is “covered in thousands of little finger-like projections called papillae, which allow us to sense flavors, textures, and temperatures,” explains Chrystle Cu, DDS, board-certified dentist and cofounder of Cocofloss based in San Mateo, CA. “The papillae form a shag rug-type surface on our tongue, which can be a repository for food debris and bacteria—tongue scrapers work by physically removing the filmy, often smelly buildup from your tongue.”
So, how do we know when to use a tongue scraper? Ideally, you should be using it every day. But, as for telltale signs if you don’t already use one, “if you notice your tongue turning white, black, or brown, that’s a sign of debris buildup that needs cleaning,” Dr. Kahng warns. Plus, scraping away the bacteria accumulating on the tongue can stave off potential health issues. “Aside from the winning benefit of having fresher, cleaner breath and an improved sense of taste, keeping one’s tongue clean…can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease,” explains Dr. Cu.
How should I choose a tongue scraper?
These oral health tools vary by shape, size, and material, and the choice often comes down to personal preference. “Tongue scrapers come in stainless steel, copper, titanium, silicone, and plastic. explains Dr. Cu.” Choose the one that is easy for you to use, is easy for you to keep clean, and that you’d feel comfortable using often.”
