Tongue Scraping

Tongue scraping can help remove debris, bacteria, and dead cells and may have other benefits, including improving your sense of taste.

Tongue scraping is a fast way to remove extra particles — including the ones that cause bad breath — from the surface of your tongue. It’s done with a small, slightly rounded tool made from plastic or metal.

Debris, bacteria, and dead cells can build up on your tongue over time. This can lead to bad breath and have a negative impact on your overall oral health.

Using a tongue scraper can help remove this buildup, as well as:

Improve your sense of taste.

Improve the appearance of your tongue

Remove bacteria

Improve overall health

Reduce bad breath

How to:

Stand in front of a mirror, open your mouth, and stick out your tongue.

Gently set the rounded end of the tongue scraper at the back of your tongue.

If you’re worried about gagging, you may find it helpful to start at the middle of your tongue. You can gradually start from farther back as you get used to scraping.

Gently touch the scraper to your tongue. Slowly pull it forward, toward the tip of your tongue. You should never push the scraper from the tip of your tongue back. Always go from the back of the tongue to the tip.

After each scrape, use a washcloth or tissue to remove debris from the scraper.

Repeat until you’ve scraped the entire surface of your tongue. One to two scrapes across the same area is usually enough.

Wash the tongue scraper with warm water and soap, dry, and store in a clean, dry area.

The entire process usually takes less than two minutes. Repeat as needed throughout the day.