Grin Tongue Cleaner

Product Information

A white, coated tongue is not attractive. Scraping can help improve the look of your tongue when smiling or laughing. Better Taste Buds It is important to clean the tongue cleaner after each use. This can be done by using a mild soap and water to clean the tool. The tongue cleaner should be air dried before being stored.

Board-certified orthodontist Marina Gonchar, DMD, founder of Skin to Smile in Morristown, New Jersey You may want to consider a smaller tongue scraper if you travel a lot. Storing a tongue scraper in a travel case at home will also help keep your tongue scraper clean and protected. Material A tongue cleaner is a small, plastic or metal tool that is used to clean the surface of the tongue. Tongue cleaning is an important part of oral hygiene, as it helps remove bacteria and food debris from the tongue. Incorporating tongue cleaning into your oral hygiene routine can help improve your breath and overall oral health. Gum disease and tooth decay can cause an unpleasant smell. Food and debris can get trapped in plaque. Smoking Grin Tongue Cleaner is a battery-operated device that helps to clean your tongue. It has a soft silicone head that you can use to scrape the surface of your tongue. It also has a built-in light that helps you see what you’re scraping.Pedrazzi V, Sato S, de Mattos Mda G, Lara EH, Panzeri H. Tongue-cleaning methods: A comparative clinical trial employing a toothbrush and a tongue scraper. J Periodontol. 2004;75(7):1009-1012. doi:10.1902/jop.2004.75.7.1009 When shopping for a tongue scraper, look for either a plastic or metal material, a wide scraper head, and any added features that may help further clean the mouth. Additionally, you'll want to look for a tongue scraper that is easy to clean and disinfect, especially if you're regularly on the go. We researched dozens of tongue scrapers and cleaners and evaluated them for ease of use, materials, pricing, and added features. An orthodontist from our Medical Expert Board also reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy surrounding oral hygiene, the efficacy of tongue scrapers, and how to evaluate them. Between metal and plastic tongue scrapers, some prefer the flexibility and gentleness of plastic. Plastic may also be more child-friendly than metal, though children should be monitored when using any tongue scraper. It helps to remove bad breath. Bad breath is often caused by bacteria on the tongue. When you remove the bacteria, it helps to reduce bad breath.

I prefer the stainless steel ones because they’re more antibacterial,” says Dr. Lilya Horowitz, D.D.S., F.A.G.D., a dentist and owner of Domino Dental. “But it really depends on your comfort level.” To choose the best tongue scrapers, we consulted dentists that know a thing or two about dental hygiene, as well as researched models of different shapes, materials and price points. When choosing tongue scrapers we considered factors such as: Copper is also a commonly used material in tongue scrapers, but we don't recommend them. According to Birnur Aral, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab, copper can be toxic if swallowed. To clean your tongue scraper, wash it gently with warm soapy water. Keep it stored in a dry, clean place. Don’t keep your tongue scraper in a closed container, as this can cause bacterial buildup and harm oral health. Benefits of a Tongue ScraperSome sources say you should scrape your tongue as often as you brush your teeth — so twice per day — but Dr. Tomalty says this isn’t required.

Our toothbrush bristles have been infused with a premium activated charcoal which has been recognized for its antibacterial and detoxifying properties for thousands of years. Alongside brushing the charcoal works to keep bacteria at bay whilst absorbing toxins from within the mouth. Using a tongue scraper is simple. The best way to use a tongue scraper is to practice using it in front of a mirror to become familiar with the process. For those struggling with a stubborn case of bad breath, scraping your tongue may be the missing step in your oral hygiene routine. The tongue harbors sulfur-producing bacteria, which can lead to bad breath. Tongue scraping can remove this bacteria and thereby improve bad breath — potentially even more effectively than brushing your teeth alone, according to a 2004 clinical trial in the Journal of Periodontology.The Grin Tongue Cleaner also has a built-in light that helps you see what you’re scraping. This is especially helpful if you have a white tongue. Of course, using your tongue scraper daily can also assist in reducing these conditions. Potential Side Effects & Risks of Tongue Cleaning Sometimes a person is too forceful with the tongue scraper, which may cause an accidental sore. Try to be mindful of how much pressure you use. If your tongue bleeds, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and let your tongue heal before using the tongue scraper again. This one by DenTek is an affordable entry into tongue cleaning, but you should replace it as often as your toothbrush. According to the American Dental Association, that would be every three to four months.

The scraper is made of stainless steel, which is durable and hygienic, while the comfort grip handles are made from rubber. Most metal scrapers have metal handles, so this model ensures a more comfortable and even adjustable grip. If you press down too hard while cleaning your tongue, Dr. Tomalty says it’s likely just irritation from a surface injury but not from invasive or long-term harm. He advises a gentle hand, though even if you apply too much pressure, it’s not enough to “ruin” your taste buds, he says. If your tongue feels sore or sensitive after scraping, you can reduce your frequency to once every other day, according to Dr. Tomalty.If all you have is your toothbrush, this could get your tongue clean but can also be too harsh. “A toothbrush can be used to brush your tongue, but the bristles, even on a soft toothbrush, are often too abrasive and can damage the small papilla of your tongue,” Dr. Gonchar explains. So, it’s best to reserve your toothbrush for cleaning your teeth and getting your tongue a dedicated cleaner made for that purpose. Grin tongue cleaners are available at most drugstores and grocery stores. They are also available online. Understanding the Importance of Tongue Cleaning Cleaning your tongue regularly can also help to improve your taste buds. When the bacteria is removed, your taste buds will be able to detect different flavors more clearly. Introducing the Grin Tongue Cleaner It’s unlikely that a tongue scraper would damage your taste buds, but it is possible if used incorrectly.