what’s the best tongue scraper? comparing the most popular options
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.
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copper vs stainless steel tongue scraper? answering your niche tongue scraping questions
Tongue scraping may seem like a straightforward ritual, but we’ve seen firsthand how the tongue scraping industry can generate some confusion and overwhelm… Copper vs stainless steel tongue scraper? Arched design or single-handed? How hard should you press down? How do you know if you’re doing it right? We’re doing more than just scratching (or should we say scraping?) the surface of tongue scraping. We’re diving into the nitty gritty, answering your specific questions about this ancient practice and sharing our favorite tips. Spoiler alert: many of them involve our stainless steel tongue scraper. brushing up on the benefits of tongue scraping Tongue scraping has been around for thousands of years, thriving as a cornerstone of dental Ayurveda and also appearing in Arabic, African, Chinese, South American, and European cultures throughout history. Originating thousands of years ago in India, Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to health, wellness, and medicine, maintaining that your body, mind, and spirit are all closely linked. The benefits of tongue scraping fit beautifully into this ethos, as it’s thought to nurture your oral health, gut health, mental health, and beyond all at once. To refresh, some of the benefits of tongue scraping include… removing toxins, bacteria, debris, dead cells, and mucus: research finds that tongue scraping can successfully reduce bad bacteria in your mouth, helping to restore balance among the 700+ species of bacteria. In turn, this can help prevent bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and more. stimulating associated organs: the principles of Ayurveda state that certain organs are associated with regions of your tongue. When that region is stimulated and cleaned with a tongue scraper, it’s thought to stimulate the tissue and reduce the toxic load for that organ. This helps to restore balance throughout your entire body. improving digestion and overall gut health: digestion begins in your mouth, and studies show that some harmful bacteria that exist in your mouth can easily travel into your gut if not addressed. Research shows that tongue scraping in the morning can improve your digestion, elimination, and overall energy levels. improving your taste: by cleansing and renewing your taste buds, tongue scraping is thought to improve taste and give you a fresh palate. increasing health awareness: examining your tongue every morning during your tongue scraping routine can give you insights into your overall health. Ayurveda suggests that the color and texture of your tongue can tell you a lot about your overall health. Most commonly, a white tongue suggests an oral yeast infection (candida). nurturing your mental health: improved taste, oral health, and gut health can have huge positive impacts on mental health, as more “feel-good chemicals” and less inflammation throughout the body are known to improve your mental health over time. Now, let’s dive into which is the best tongue scraper, and how to create the best tongue scraping routine. copper vs stainless steel tongue scraper There are a lot of tongue scrapers out there, but we can sum up the biggest competition on the market in one phrase: copper vs stainless steel tongue scraper. Given that we sell a professional-grade stainless steel tongue scraper at Davids, you can guess which one we prefer. But let’s dive into some of the unbiased differences. First things first, let’s start by saying that both copper and steel are durable and capable of getting the job done. The biggest difference between the two is that a stainless steel tongue scraper will not tarnish, whereas a copper one might (even if you care for it properly). Your tongue scraper will get wet every time you use it, so you don’t want to worry about the water altering the material’s chemical makeup. You can throw our professional-grade stainless steel tongue scraper into the dishwasher (or hand wash it) without any worry! Now that we’ve covered copper vs stainless steel tongue scraper, let’s talk about the shape and design of your tongue scraper. We (and dental professionals) prefer our all-metal one-handed design for easy use and long-term durability. Other stainless steel tongue scrapers come in an arch shape with plastic handles. Plastic is less durable than stainless steel, and we don’t recommend putting plastic in your dishwasher (as it can release harmful chemicals at high temperatures). We find that our single-hand stainless steel design is easy to grip and safe to clean. how to tongue scrape While it might seem obvious to some, a lot of questions can arise about how to tongue scrape. See our answers on some of the most common ones below! Should I scrape my tongue before or after brushing? Our favorite routine goes (1) floss with our expanding, infused dental floss (2) brush with our premium toothpaste (3) scrape with our stainless steel tongue scraper (4) if you want to, swish with a clean, healthy hydroxyapatite mouthwash. Explore our previous article to see why we prefer scraping after brushing. How hard should I scrape my tongue? Tongue scraping should be a gentle movement. You shouldn’t feel pain or stinging and you shouldn’t see any blood. The pressure you use should be enough to remove the film on the surface of your tongue without any discomfort. How often should I scrape my tongue? We recommend tongue scraping at least once daily, but if you love how clean it feels (like we do), you can do it twice daily! How do I know if I’m doing it right? After tongue scraping, your tongue should be pain-free with no bleeding. You should feel a new, unique level of cleanness in your mouth, such that when you stop tongue scraping, you notice the difference. It’s hard to explain if you’ve never felt it before, so we highly recommend giving it a try! Whether you’ve never tongue scraped before, or you're a seasoned pro, our stainless steel tongue scraper is the perfect tool to achieve your mouth’s cleanest clean. buy now.
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why you should try tongue scraping, an ancient art that has thrived for thousands of years
Have you ever wondered where tongue scraping came from? If you’ve never tried tongue scraping before, the habit can seem a little odd. But you might be delighted to find out that it’s an ancient art that’s been around for thousands of years across many different cultures. From thin strips of wood to precious metals to mother-of-pear, tongue scrapers have taken on many different forms over the years. But one thing has remained true: tongue scraping is still a cornerstone of oral care...transcending cultures, fads, and skeptics for millennia. There’s a reason for that, so let’s scrape the surface of the long history of tongue scraping. tongue scraping in ancient Ayurveda You might have heard us mention Ayurveda before. It’s an incredible system of natural medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. Formed by combining two Sanskrit words, the term Ayurveda translates to “knowledge of life.” It takes a completely holistic approach to health and wellness, understanding that all systems of the mind, body, and spirit are intertwined. Ayurveda also contextualizes health using laws of nature and energy, affirming that humans are intimately connected to the universe. Ayurveda says that true health works in harmony with nature, an ethos that we can truly get behind at Davids. Now, onto tongue scraping. For thousands of years, tongue scraping (previously with metals like silver, gold, and copper) has played an important role in Ayurvedic medicine, as the tongue is viewed as a window to your overall health. Different areas on your tongue are said to be connected to different internal organs. Because tongue scraping detoxifies, massages, and stimulates the tissue, Ayurveda says that it does the same for the connected organs. Tongue scraping removes a harmful film called “ama,” which often manifests as bad breath or an unpleasant film on the tongue. When you remove this film with a tongue scraper, it can protect your dental and digestive health, improve taste, stimulate your organs, and beyond. Perhaps most importantly, Ayurveda believes that tongue scraping (and examining your tongue in general) is a foundational daily wellness check. We do too! There’s a reason this habit has persisted over thousands of years. Traditional Chinese Medicine’s take on tongue scraping Originating 20+ centuries ago, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a bit younger than Ayurveda. Like Ayurveda, TCM is a holistic well-being system centered around life-force-enhancing practices (such as yoga), whole food nourishment, herbal healing, breathwork, and intention. TCM also believes that characteristics of the tongue (color, shape, smell, texture, etc.) reflect the health of certain internal organs such as the heart, spleen, liver, and lungs. To no surprise, TCM values tongue scraping to keep internal systems healthy and thriving. As a side note, TCM also uses acupuncture as an essential well-being tool, and most acupuncturists will want to take a look at your tongue to assess your wellness before a session. To ensure an accurate assessment, many acupuncturists will ask you not to use a tongue scraper in the 24 hours leading up to your session. tongue scraping in Arabic and African cultures Many Arabic and African cultures have been tongue scraping for centuries. Instead of a metal tongue scraper, they utilize wooden sticks and twigs from native trees. They soak the stick in water overnight, chew the end of it to create frayed bristles, and use the bristle end as a toothbrush. Then, they finish the routine by using the smooth end as a tongue scraper (sometimes formed into an inverted V-shape similar to many tongue scrapers on the market today). After each use, the stick gets shorter (because of the repeated fraying), so they typically replace the stick once it gets too short to use. European cultures adopt tongue scraping European cultures were a little bit later to the party, picking up tongue scraping between the 15th and 19th centuries. They crafted metal tongue scrapers that look a lot like the ones we use today. Some were an inverted U-shape, and some had a single-handed design similar to the Davids stainless steel tongue scraper you see below. However, tongue scraping was typically limited to the upper class back then. Of course today, we believe everyone deserves to feel the unparalleled freshness you can get after using a tongue scraper (trust us, it’ll hook you). today, you can use the best tongue scraper Thousands of years later, tongue scraping is alive and well (arguably gaining more popularity as we speak). We believe this is because once you try it, you’ll never want to stop. After all, you can truly feel the benefits of tongue scraping after every use. On that note, our stainless steel tongue scraper is preferred by dental professionals because of its unique single-handed design and smooth rounded edges. This design allows you to reach all those areas of your tongue that are associated with essential organs (according to Ayurveda and TCM) without aggravating your gag reflex. Although copper tongue scrapers are popular in Ayurveda, copper requires extra care after each use to ensure it doesn’t tarnish. Our stainless steel tongue scraper doesn’t require as much diligence, since it won’t tarnish and its edges will remain smooth even after long-term use. Not to mention, you can put it in the dishwasher for a deep cleaning without having to worry about it! Especially if you’re new to tongue scraping, ours is designed to give you the best experience. For our favorite tongue scraping routine, visit our previous article, “should I scrape my tongue before or after brushing? our top tips for you.” buy now.
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new year, new chance to create an oral care routine that supports your whole body
Another year has come and gone, giving us all a fresh chance to be the best versions of ourselves. When thinking about your resolutions, we want to make sure you don’t brush over your oral health routine. You might already know this about us, but we believe oral health is the window to your overall health. While that can sound intimidating, it can also be exciting! Establishing a new elevated oral care routine in 2024 can open new doors of health, vibrancy, and balance in your life. Don’t believe us? We hope this article brings you to the bright (pearly white) side. why take a holistic approach to oral health? At Davids, we’re all about minimalism. But when it comes to oral health, we know that things are never as simple as they seem. Oral health is not just oral health, it’s the window to your overall health. Your oral microbiome (mouth) works very closely with your gut microbiome to lay the foundations of your overall well-being. Think about it this way: when you swallow (which you do consciously and subconsciously all day long), bacteria, pathogens, and other microorganisms travel from your mouth to your gut. If the bacterial balance in your mouth is out of whack (more bad than good), this can not only lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease, but it can also lead to gut dysbiosis. Dysbiosis in the gut has been linked to whole-body impacts such as cognitive disease, mental health struggles, autoimmunity, mood swings, insomnia, indigestion, acid reflux, acne, insulin resistance, and beyond. At the very least, we know that when bad bacteria take over in your mouth and gut, it can lead to inflammation throughout your entire body. We want to avoid that. To do so, we invite you to “zoom out,” see oral health as a crucial piece of the puzzle, and use it as motivation to align the rest of your self-care routine to nurture the best version of yourself. the oral care core trifecta Now that we’ve covered oral care as part of your overall health, it’s time to cultivate an oral care routine that checks all the boxes. It’s no secret that when flossing, brushing, and tongue scraping come together, the result is greater than the sum of its parts. 1: flossing with safe dental floss Do you really need to floss? The answer is a resounding yes. If you’re brushing over this essential step, your oral care routine might only be reaching 65% of your teeth....leaving 35% of your pearly whites in the dark. The new year presents a new opportunity to start your flossing routine, and our new expanding dental floss is the perfect product to get you started. It’s woven with 250+ soft threads for softness and durability, so you don’t have to worry about shredding as you reach those tight spaces. The threads have the ability to expand, increasing the surface area as you go to grab more plaque and debris in those hard-to-reach places. Our dental floss is also infused with cocoa butter, premium mint oils, and hydroxyapatite for a fresh clean that remineralizes your enamel as you go. As a safe dental floss, it avoids the PFAS (harmful forever chemicals) that are found in many conventional floss brands. 2: brushing with a bamboo toothbrush + premium toothpaste This probably isn’t the first time you’ve heard us talk about the importance of brushing. After all, we are a toothpaste brand! To avoid sounding like a broken record, we’ll leave you with a couple of interesting statistics. A 2023 report reveals that 59% of adult Americans developed better oral care habits during the pandemic, and they plan to maintain them. Yet only 79% of adults reported brushing their teeth twice a day, and 17% of people aren’t brushing long enough. Time and time again, we’ve seen that brushing twice daily for two minutes is crucial for fighting plaque and preventing oral complications like tooth decay and gum disease. We invite you to make 2024 the year you commit to brushing twice daily for two minutes each. Our bamboo toothbrush and premium toothpaste might just be the motivation you need to hone this habit. After all, our bamboo toothbrush is soft, sustainable, and comfortable....and our toothpaste flavors range from delicious peppermint to perfectly sweet strawberry watermelon. 3: tongue scraping with a stainless steel tongue scraper Tongue scraping does a lot more than simply clean your tongue and freshen your breath. Dental Ayurveda states that different areas of your tongue are connected to specific vital organs throughout your body. By using a tongue scraper, you’re directly removing toxins from these areas while simultaneously stimulating the tissue. By association, Ayurveda suggests that this detoxification + stimulation also positively affects the associated organs, restoring inner balance and reducing your overall toxic load. On top of this, tongue scraping can also work to enhance your taste and improve your digestion by promoting a healthy bacterial balance in your mouth and gut. Dental professionals prefer the design of our stainless steel tongue scraper, as it uses 100% medical-grade stainless steel and has smooth, rounded edges. It also has a unique one-handed design, so it’s very easy to maneuver (this is extremely important for a movement that occurs very close to your gag reflex). If you want to start your new year off on the freshest possible note, add our tongue scraper to your oral care routine. Trust us, you’ll feel a difference right away. other important players We can’t talk about holistic oral health without mentioning diet, mindset, and stress. All of these factors play a huge underlying role in the state of your oral and overall health. diet: It can be easy to see how diet impacts your oral health, as your mouth is responsible for chewing and swallowing. It’s no secret that starchy, sugary foods have more of a negative impact on your teeth, while more protein-rich and nutrient-dense foods can improve your oral health. We recommend brushing up on this food guide article written by Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD. mindest: your mindset can play an important role in the success of your oral care routine. In an industry that’s been dominated by the same big brands (and ingredients) for decades, it can feel uncomfortable to question these norms and embrace new habits and ingredients. For example, maybe it feels weird to try tongue scraping instead of simply brushing your tongue. Maybe it feels intimidating to switch to hydroxyapatite when you’ve used fluoride for so long. We understand how uncomfortable it can be to change your habits, but we want to encourage you to remain open-minded and follow the science. stress: when it comes to oral care, stress might not be the first thing that pops into your head. But let’s check in: are you clenching your jaw right now? Do you wake up with tension headaches or a tight jaw? Clenching your jaw due to stress can have a huge impact on your oral health. Additionally, chronic stress can lead to things like dry mouth, which is a huge risk factor for gum disease and tooth decay. We invite you to take a deep breath, embrace mindfulness, explore meditation, and cultivate a mouth-friendly diet in the new year. All of these things can take your oral and overall health to new heights. make 2024 a fresh start The Davids essential bundle includes our bamboo toothbrush, sensitive+whitening hydroxyapatite toothpaste, and stainless steel tongue scraper for 20% off. Just add our brand-new expanding dental floss to the mix (and maybe a travel size toothpaste or two), and you have the perfect holistic oral care routine to start 2024 on the freshest possible note. From the Davids family to yours, Happy New Year! buy now.
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