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Getting a tongue scraper will change your life. From fresh breath to gut health, these handy bathroom tools have a myriad of health benefits, celebrated in a range of cultures including Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. 'But, why should I use a tongue scraper?' we hear you ask!
Well, this article will answer that. We will also give you advice about how to choose the perfect oral hygiene product and even introducing the ten best tongue cleaners you can buy in the UK, from brands like Orabrush and Dr Tung across top shopping sites like Boots, Amazon and Tesco.
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Table of Contents
A two-handled, hoop-shaped scraper is the type traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. It allows excellent levels of control, drags bacteria off your tongue in one concise motion and gives a really thorough clean due to its large surface area.
It could be a little tricky to get the most out of this shape tongue scraper as a first-time user, but with a bit of practice you'll soon get the hang of it. Rinse it carefully after each scrape for best results.
If you prefer using one hand just as you would with a toothbrush, choose a smaller version of the traditional scraper, which has a single handle. You can really get right to the back of your tongue, and they're also that little bit easier to transport given their diminutive size and shape. You will have to move them around the mouth a bit more, however, as they won't scrape the entire tongue in one go.
Another good option with a single handle is a scraper with a full, spoon-like shape. It is said that these scrapers hold more built-up bacteria after one use, so they will need to be cleaned carefully. Other than that, however, they're not too dissimilar to small hoop scrapers.
For a really thorough clean that you can feel, choose a tongue scraper with a good amount of texture or several mini bristles. These very effectively loosen up that unsightly coating on your tongue before you drag it away with the rounded end of the scraper.
This type of cleaner works between the textured taste buds on your tongue so you can see a visible result in its appearance before you scrape. The scraping process itself merely adds to the overall minty-fresh effect!
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For an extra buzz, what about a chargeable electric tongue cleaner? These use the power of vibrations to work through even very thick layers of overnight buildup, and leave your tongue fresh, pink and flawless.
The downside is they will set you back a fair bit more cash at the start and will need regular re-charging and replacement heads, but they really do provide a marvellous treat for your mouth – even if they do drift from Ayurvedic traditions!
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This pure copper tongue scraper is very user-friendly as you hold it with both hands to gently scrape away residue from your tongue. Copper's anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties are some of the key benefits of this particular scraper. It is ergonomic, compact and surprisingly affordable, too.
Another big perk is the fact this smart-looking scraper comes in a handy cotton drawstring bag which is perfect for keeping it safe and clean while you travel. This product is made by a company whose principles are based in Ayurveda so it has the traditional arc shape, grabbing every last bit of bacteria and helping restore your gut's natural balance.
Sensitive mouth? This tongue cleaner has extra-soft silicone bristles so you can gently massage your tongue and loosen any surface build-up, before using the smooth rounded edge to clear away the residue that can lead to bad breath.
Though the price is great (packs of six are available if you want even better value for money!) a possible downside is that these cheap, cheerful scrapers probably won't last as long as their metal counterparts. But they do give a very quick and easy clean, and the textured element does make the scraping process a bit more comfortable.
This brilliant set of plastic-free oral hygiene tools – including two white and beige cornstarch tongue scrapers and two black and white bamboo tooth brushes made from sustainably sourced bamboo is a fantastic eco-friendly option which will help protect planet Earth and your health too.
The cornstarch tongue scraper has a long handle, perfect for clearing your tongue gently but thoroughly without causing you to gag. It also has smooth handles, making it comfortable to use and hold. The whole package is brilliant value for money and guarantees great oral hygiene with minimal waste.
This tongue cleaner has a silicone head which is extremely textured, meaning that it works to effectively loosen the coating that builds up on your tongue over night. You may choose to use it alone, or along with another scraper from our list, to dislodge then remove harmful bacteria.
The added bonus of this tongue cleaner is that it uses electronic pulses to provide an even more intense and thorough clean for your mouth. The vibrations allow the raised silicone 'bristles' to penetrate more quickly and effectively, making the final results seriously satisfying. Just remember that you'll have to keep it charged!
This tongue cleaner was a winner with us because it is ergonomic and really easy to control using just one hand. It can clear away all the bacteria and buildup, even from the very back of your tongue. There are two in the pack, making this purchase a superb choice for couples.
Each hooped scraper has a grooved, non-slip handle and the stainless steel makes it wonderfully durable. The smooth curve is gentle on your tongue so it removes unpleasant residue that can lead to bad breath, without damaging your taste buds or the cells on your tongue.
We love this tongue scraper due to the fact it helps you remove bacteria with plenty of control and leaves you with super-fresh breath and an improved sense of taste with minimal fuss. The easy-grip handles are adjustable to make using them as comfortable as possible.
Dr Tung's is a reliable brand and this product has received plenty of positive reviews which name its handy travel case as one of its biggest selling points. The wide shape of the hoop is also noted; a surefire way to remove lots of bacteria in the quickest time.
Clean your tongue two ways with this set of tongue tinglers. Choose from a spoon-shaped cleaner which helps you easily collect all the bacteria from your tongue and remove it in one fell swoop, or the hollow hoop-shaped cleaner, depending which one you find more comfortable to use and easier to control.
This pack is ideal for experimenting with tongue scrapers to decide which style feels most convenient for you. The hygienic stainless steel is naturally anti-microbial, making it durable and easy to clean. It's only great for oral health but looks good too! An effective tool kit for a happy tongue.
Made from 100% medical-grade stainless steel, this is another good option for a rust-proof and durable duo for two. Its main aim is to banish bad breath, which it will do so efficiently and comfortably – the design incorporates an anti-gag arc and is of optimal length to reach everywhere you need to.
This product has been made with the input of medical professionals and is one of the highest rated on Amazon and other sites. It is also designed ergonomically so it is comfortable to hold and steady enough to reach into the tightest crevices.
We like this tongue cleaner because it is not only effective but smart to look at too. Made by the oral health brand Amano, who claim to be the oldest tongue-cleaning brand in the world, this product had smooth, sleek handles and a stainless steel hoop to clear away night-time build up.
Featured in the British Dental Journal in 2018, Amano are proud of their top-of-the-range oral tools and this tongue cleaner is no exception. It is dishwasher-safe too. Though a bit more expensive than some, this is a quality product that will enliven your palette and give your gut health a boost!
Ideal for a family of three, this pack of colour-coded scrapers is great value for money. Grab them just like a toothbrush and use side A to loosen any residue and build-up on the tongue, then scrape it clean using the smooth edge of side B.
Made from food-grade silicone, these scrapers are budget-friendly and do the trick well, keeping your throat and gut protected and your tongue pink and fresh. They're easy to clean too; just soak in salt water. On the downside, they may not last as long due to the material.
The benefits of 'tongue tingling', as it's described by wellness author and chef Jasmine Hemsley, are manifold. Tongue health is recognised in a range of Eastern cultures – notably Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine – as a reflection of overall health.
In fact, cleaning the tongue is a standard oral hygiene practice in many countries, and has been for centuries. Top benefits of tongue scraping include; fresher breath, fewer colds and infections, improved sense of taste, benefits to the digestion and improved gut health. The list goes on!
By gently pulling a scraper along the surface of your tongue, you'll remove the layer of bacteria which builds up overnight, freshening your mouth and setting your tastebuds free to enjoy more mindful mealtimes.
For an even fresher mouth, browse our best mouth washes for bad breath.
Firstly, stick out your tongue, and place the top of the scraper at the back. You don't have to go too far back if you feel like you might gag! You can start further down until you get used to it.
Gently pull the scraper from the back of your tongue to the tip in a smooth motion, continuing until you have cleaned the entire tongue. Once or twice per section is fine. Between each scrape, wash or wipe off any gunk from your tool.
Never go from front to back, as this spreads the debris back to the place you've just removed it from! Once finished, make sure to clean and dry the scraper properly before storing it away.
Written and researched by Annie Hopkins
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