You’ve heard the buzz about the benefits of tongue scraping: fresher breath, improved taste, decreased toxin load, better digestion…the list goes on! Now that you’re on board with this effective ancient practice, you must decide which tongue scraper to get.

With so many options out there, how can you know which one is the best tongue scraper? Copper or stainless steel? U-shaped or single-handed? We understand the overwhelm, which is why we’re breaking down the different options for you here, from the best materials to the most effective shapes. Spoiler alert: we feel that the single-handed stainless steel tongue scraper wins the competition, which is why we’re so proud to offer it in our oral care lineup at Davids.

If you’re not already on board with tongue scraping, we hope this article inspires you to add this incredible practice to your daily routine!

what’s the best material for a tongue scraper?

plastic tongue scraper

As an oral care company that always works to minimize plastics, it’s hard to see the pros of a plastic tongue scraper. It’s far less durable than its metal counterparts (mainly stainless steel and copper), meaning it’ll eventually contribute to our world’s massive plastic waste problem.

After using a tongue scraper a few times, we strongly recommend cleaning it at a high temperature (aka in the dishwasher). Research shows that even BPA-free plastics can leach harmful chemicals into the dishwasher, so this limits your cleaning options quite a bit! Some plastic tongue scrapers come with bristles attached, giving bacteria another chance to harbor and flourish.

The only real pro we can see with a plastic tongue scraper is that it might be lighter and less intimidating for your little ones than a metal tongue scraper. But if you’re looking for a soft, light option for kids, we think you should consider silicone.

silicone tongue scraper

A silicone tongue scraper is a great option for kiddos who aren’t quite ready for metal yet! It’s safer to clean at high temperatures, and it’s soft on the tongue. It’s worth noting that harder metal tongue scrapers will remove bacteria more efficiently, but this is a good option if you can’t get your little ones on board with a metal tongue scraper.

Some silicone tongue scrapers come in lollipop or ice cream shapes to make tongue scraping feel a little more fun!

copper tongue scraper

Ancient tongue scrapers were often made from copper, gold, silver, and brass, so the copper tongue scraper has remained a staple for countless years. While we believe copper is a great alternative to plastic and silicone, we don’t feel it’s the best material for a tongue scraper.

Copper can tarnish over time, especially if you don’t care for it in a very particular way. To keep your copper tongue scraper looking new, you’ll want to soak it in a boiling solution of water, vinegar, and salt, use a cloth to scrub away any tarnishing, and polish it dry.

For a tool you’re using to wipe away water, bacteria, and saliva daily, we prefer a material that won’t tarnish or knick over time no matter how much you use/wash it...like stainless steel!

stainless steel tongue scraper

We believe stainless steel tongue scrapers are the best, which is why we sell one at Davids. They don’t tarnish over time, and they’re completely dishwasher-safe. The most maintenance you ever have to do is throw it in the dishwasher, and this sturdy metal scrapes away bacteria just as good as (if not better than) a copper tongue scraper.

Not to mention, the single-handed shape of our stainless steel tongue scraper makes it super easy to maneuver, and it feels smooth and natural on your tongue. More on that below!

what’s the best shape for a tongue scraper?

flat toothbrush head

Have you ever tried using the tongue scraper on the back of your toothbrush head? Or put one of those flat toothbrush-head-shaped “tongue scrubbers” on your electric toothbrush?

To us, these silicone and plastic tongue scraper options aren’t really tongue scrapers. Their small, flat shape seems to just move around bacteria rather than truly scrape it off the cushy surface of your tongue. Not to mention, they don’t last for very long, so they end up contributing to that pesky plastic waste problem!

We think you’re much better off grabbing an infinitely reusable stainless steel tongue scraper that’s been strategically designed to scrape and remove bacteria effectively. Like the one we offer at Davids.

arched tongue scraper

An arched (or u-shaped) tongue scraper is a great step in the right direction. It’s a design that allows you to cover more of your tongue’s surface area, and truly scrape that bacteria/mucus/film out of your mouth.

These U-shaped tongue scrapers can get a bit wide and difficult to maneuver though, especially toward the back of your tongue where odor-causing bacteria tend to build up and linger. The back of your tongue only touches your soft palate, whereas the front of your tongue touches your teeth, creating more friction to scrub away bacteria. This is why you want a tongue scraper that can easily reach the back of your tongue...and do so without triggering your gag reflex.

single-hand tongue scraper

Our single-hand, stainless steel tongue scraper allows you to reach the back of your tongue with ease to remove bacteria without triggering your gag reflex. It might take some practice to get your mouth and body used to tongue scraping without gagging, but we assure you it will get easier with time!

Made with 100% medical-grade stainless steel, our tongue scraper material and design are preferred by dental professionals and used as an example in dental schools! The smooth, rounded edges make for a soft and pleasant scraping experience that effectively removes bacteria even from those hard-to-reach areas of your tongue.

The result is a cleaner mouth-feel, fresher breath, and a healthier smile. What’s not to love?

buy now.