How to Use a Tongue Scraper

Co-authored by Annabelle Reyes Medically reviewed by Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Last Updated: June 28, 2024 Fact Checked

Tongue scraping has a long history, both as an element of hygiene and an Ayurvedic cleansing ritual. Research is divided on how well tongue scraping works, and it should not replace other forms of oral hygiene like brushing or flossing; however, many people who suffer from a "coated tongue" or halitosis are convinced of its medical benefits.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Scraping Your Tongue

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You'll want to open your mouth as wide as is comfortable, but not so wide that it causes discomfort. This makes your tongue more accessible and increases the ease of scraping.
2
Stick out your tongue. The goal here is to comfortably increase access to your tongue, so stick your tongue outside your mouth as far as you are able to.
- Avoid pointing your tongue, as this decreases surface area and makes scraping less effective.
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3
Pick up the scraper. Holding the handle of the tongue scraper, place it as far back on your tongue as you comfortably can. The farther back it is placed, the more surface area you’ll be able to scrape. If you feel a tickle or a gagging sensation, however, you’ve likely placed the scraper too far back.
- After many scraping sessions, you may be able to place the scraper further back into your mouth than you could in your initial session.
4
Begin scraping. Apply firm pressure to the tongue scraper. In one slow, smooth motion, pull the scraper from the back of your tongue to the front. The rough edge of the scraper will rub against the tongue surface and remove any coating or residue.^{[1]
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- Scraping should involve firm pressure, but never discomfort or abrasion to the skin.
- When you begin scraping, it is best to err on the side of caution and start with lighter pressure, rather than heavy strokes. From there, gently increase pressure until the right amount is achieved.
- A maximum number of four to eight scraping movements should be enough for the day.
- Never move the scraper in a backwards direction. Instead, move your scraper from the back of your tongue to the tip. Going backwards spreads the scrapings back over your tongue and requires you to repeat the scraping process.
5
Rinse the scraper after each stroke. With every stroke, the scraper removes the coating on your tongue and pushes it to the tip. To avoid spreading these scrapings back over your tongue, rinse the scraper and your mouth after each stroke.^{[2]
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- You can also dip the scraper in a small cup filled with chlorhexidine mouthwash, as the antibacterial substance will destroy any bacteria on the scraper.^{[3]
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Rinse the scraper under the faucet after use, removing any debris or saliva.^{[4]
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Go to source} Ensure that your tongue scraper stays clean and dry between sessions by storing it in a drawer or medicine cabinet.

Part 2

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Choosing a Tongue Scraper

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If you have a large tongue, a wide profile, u-shaped scraper is the most efficient way to clean your tongue. Children or people with smaller tongues may want to choose a y-shaped scraper.
2
Think about your comfort. If you have a very sensitive gag reflex, consider this when choosing your scraper.
- Some people opt for a tongue brush, which combines elements of a toothbrush and a scraper. This type of tongue scraper is narrower than the u-shaped scraper but does have a taller profile, which may also trigger discomfort.
- A good rule of thumb is to consider how comfortable you'd be placing your toothbrush near the back of your mouth. If that's problematic, opt for a y-shaped tongue scraper. These are smaller and usually have bent sides to accommodate sensitivity.
If sensitivity is less of a concern, get a scraper with multiple blades. Multiple blades expedite the removal of debris. These can be y-shaped, usually with dual blades; however, there are narrower versions with four to five blades that have a similar size-profile to a toothbrush.
Tongue scrapers are typically made of stainless steel, copper, or plastic.^{[5]
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Go to source} A metal scraper can be kept long-term and periodically disinfected by boiling in water. Plastic scrapers are cheaper; however, they are intended to be disposable and must be replaced every three to four months.

Part 3

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Understanding Tongue Scraping

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1
Think about tongue scraping as part of your oral hygiene. By itself, tongue scraping cannot ensure good oral hygiene; however, as part of a regimen including brushing and flossing, it has proven benefits.^{[6]
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- Halitosis is caused by bacteria that act on residual food particles in the mouth. These bacteria release volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which produce a bad smell.^{[7]
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  Go to source} Tongue scraping can remove food particles and bacteria on the tongue and provide a 75% reduction of halitosis symptoms, 30% more than just brushing alone.^{[8]
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- Tongue coating is a common symptom of smoking, dry mouth, and yeast infections. It is unsightly and contributes to halitosis. By scraping this coating off the tongue, patients report better overall oral hygiene and personal comfort.^{[9]
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- Research indicates that, by removing food particles and bacteria from the mouth, tongue scraping can reduce plaque buildup and cavities.^{[10]
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Research indicates that tongue cleansing generally exposes taste buds and, after two weeks, patients noted improved sense of taste. These results were substantially enhanced by including a tongue scraper in cleansing sessions.^{[11]
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Ayurveda, a holistic medical practice that originated in ancient India, argues that the "toxic residue" of bacteria and dead cells that forms on the tongue can actually have a negative impact on the digestive system. A study exploring this idea showed that tongue scraping may be effective to improve digestive power.^{[12]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

Do I have to use a tongue scraper?

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

No, you can always brush your tongue with your toothbrush, although a lot of people prefer using a tongue scraper. But it is important to clean your tongue. Every time you brush your teeth, clean your tongue!

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