Published on: July 16, 2024

If you’re thinking about buying a tongue scraper but you are worried about triggering your gag reflex, you’re not alone.

In this article, we will show you how to use a tongue scraper properly, share tips from dentists to avoid gag reflex, and highlight the science-backed benefits you can expect. You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to decide if integrating this simple tool into your daily oral care routine is right for you.

What is a Tongue Scraper?

A tongue scraper, also called tongue cleaner, is a tool designed to scrape off the build-up on your tongue. This build-up looks like a white film and is called tongue coating, which is a mix of bacteria, dead cells and food debris.

A tongue scraper is typically a thin, flat strip of metal or plastic. It’s bent in a special shape to fit the width of your tongue.

A woman using a tongue scraper in front of a mirror

How to Use a Tongue Scraper in 7 Steps

step 1 Rinse tongue scraper under the tap

1. Start by cleaning your tongue scraper. Rinse it under warm water to remove any dust or debris.

Step 2 Stick your tongue out in front of a mirror

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

Step 3 Place your tongue scraper on your tongue

3. Place the tongue scraper at the back of your tongue.

Tip: Watch out not to go too deep to avoid making yourself gag.

4. Apply gentle pressure and scrape the surface of your tongue in one long stroke, moving from the back to the front.

Tip: If you feel uncomfortable, use less pressure.

Step 5 Remove debris by rinsing your tongue scraper with water

5. Rinse the scraper with water to remove the collected debris.

6. Repeat the process until you’ve covered the entire surface of your tongue. Usually, 5-10 strokes are enough.

7. Dry the tongue scraper thoroughly and store it in a dry place.

“ Remember, practice makes perfect, so be patient and give yourself time to adapt.”

Dr. Mafalda Queiroz

Principal dentist, general and cosmetic dentist, The York Dental Suite (UK)

Practical tips to avoid triggering your gag reflex when using a tongue scraper

1. Squeeze your thumb

Make a fist with your left hand and squeeze your thumb inside the fist. This pressure can help reduce the gag reflex.

2. Press Between Your Chin & Lower Lip

Press the spot between your chin and lower lip with your index finger. This acupressure point can distract you from the gag reflex. This technique is less effective if you need both hands for the tongue scraper.

3. Practice breathing techniques

“ I commonly recommend patients with gag reflex to try breathing techniques. As you use your tongue scraper, breathe deeply through your nose while using the scraper. The act of mindful breathing works to distract and diminish your gag reflex.”

Dr. Kaly Gengeswaran BDS (London)

Principal dentist, Danbury Dental Care Clinic (UK)

4. Try different scrapers

“ If you have a gag reflex, consider the shape and material of your tongue scraper ”, Dr. Gengeswaran added.

Tip: Here’s a guide to help you choose the best tongue scraper for you.

How to choose between different tongue scrapers, 3 shapes are shown: U-shape, allowing a wide scraping surface; Looped shape: allowing precise control; spoon shape: allowing removal of thick coating on the tongue

Here’s what a user in the US said after adopting one of the Oravix tongue scrapers as part of her daily routine:

testimonial from Precise Disarray on Amazon saying "definitely a must have"

Source: Amazon user reviews. Amazon.com. Retrieved July 4, 2024.

5. Place some salt on your tongue

According to Dr. Gengeswaran, “Another technique worth trying if you have gag reflex is to place a little amount of salt on your tongue before scraping. This works by triggering the chorda tympani nerve which inhibits the gag reflex.”

6. Create a distraction

” Another surprisingly effective method is distraction: lift one foot for 5 seconds and then switch to the other foot while scraping— your mind will be occupied with the activity, reducing the chance of the gag reflex.”

Dr. Jasveen Singh

Pediatric Dentist & Owner, Pediatric Dentistry And Beyond (US)

7. Do it first thing in the morning

Dr. Queiroz advises “As I always tell our patients, using a tongue scraper can significantly improve your oral health. But the challenging part for many is gag reflex. To avoid this, I recommend scrapping first thing in the morning before eating or drinking.”

Cleaning and Storing Your Tongue Scraper Properly

A dirty tongue scraper can reintroduce bacteria into your mouth, defeating its purpose. So, make sure to clean it after every use by rinsing your tongue scraper with warm water.

If you are using a stainless steel tongue scraper, here are some additional tips on how to clean your scraper more thoroughly [1]:

Cleaning techniques for metal tongue scrapers: dishwasher, cleaning tablet or natural solution

Cleaning Tablet Method

Dissolve a cleaning tablet in warm water and submerge your tongue scraper. Then, wipe it clean with a cloth.

Natural Solution

Rub a lemon dipped in salt on the tongue scraper to easily remove stains.

Dishwasher Method

Place your tongue scraper in the dishwasher for a thorough clean.

Sterilization

To sterilize, submerge the tongue scraper in boiling water for 5 minutes. Be careful when removing it as it will be very hot. Dry it thoroughly afterward.

Sterilization of tongue scraper in boiling water

Testimonial from Amazon: I like how easy it is to clean the scraper

Source: Amazon user reviews. Amazon.com. Retrieved July 4, 2024.

Storage

As for storage, keep your tongue scraper in a clean, dry place. Avoid leaving it in damp areas like the bathroom, as this can encourage bacterial growth.

Key Benefits of Integrating Tongue Scraping as Part of Your Daily Oral Health Routine

Key Benefits of using a tongue scraper: Contributes to reducing bad breath, improves the sense of taste, improves your tongue's appearance

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) in the US recommends adopting tongue cleaning as part of a routine for better mouth hygiene [2].

Here are some of the many benefits of using a tongue scraper:

1. Contributes to reducing bad breath

Tongue coating is a major cause of bad breath [3]. Even though evidence is still limited, some studies show that using a tongue scraper can effectively reduce this coating and bad breath [4,5]. Research also indicates that combining tongue cleaning with toothbrushing is more effective than toothbrushing alone in reducing both bad breath and tongue coating [6].

If your bad breath persists, it may be due to other medical reasons, in which case you should consult a dentist or a qualified professional.

2. Improves the sense of taste

By removing the coating on your tongue, a scraper can enhance your sense of taste [7]. You might find your morning coffee or favorite dish tasting even better!

Elisa, user of the Oravix stainless steel tongue scraper in Italy, said:

“ I have been using the tongue cleaner for many years. A naturopath introduced me to this instrument. Since then I have been using it every day and I can’t stay without it. It gives me the impression that I have a cleaner mouth. After using it, I feel a significant improvement in the taste of food and drinks. ” – Elisa

Source: Amazon user reviews. Amazon.com. Retrieved July 4, 2024.

3. Improves your tongue’s appearance

By removing the white coating on your tongue, scraping makes your tongue look more pink and healthier. The best way to find out if you like the sensation you feel after cleaning your tongue, is to try it.

Before and After using a tongue scraper: the picture Before shows a white coating on the tongue, while the tongue appears pink and healthier after

Dr. Shahrooz Yazdani DDS (Canada) emphasizes the importance of integrating tongue scraping into your oral health routine, stating:

“After brushing and flossing, make it a habit to scrape your tongue. This can help with bad breath and can remove food particles from your mouth. Remember that tongue scraping is not an alternative to regular oral hygiene practices like toothbrushing.”

Dr. Shahrooz Yazdani DDS (Ottawa)

CEO & Director, Yazdani Family Dentistry and Costello Family Dentistry (Canada)

Additionally, Dr. Queiroz highlights the simplicity and benefits of incorporating a tongue scraper into your daily routine, describing it as “not only simple but also rewarding.”

Here’s an example of a complete oral care routine to follow first thing in the mornings:

Oral Care Routine Example

Step 1: Floss

Floss between teeth and under the gums.

Benefits: Removes plaque, prevents gum disease, reduces bad breath.

Step 2: Brush

Brush your teeth without rinsing the toothpaste.

Benefits: Cleans teeth, strengthens enamel, enhances fluoride effectiveness.

Step 3. Tongue Scrape

Use a tongue scraper following the 7-Step Guide.

Benefits: Reduces bad breath, improves taste, supports oral hygiene.

Step 4. Mouthwash

Rinse with mouthwash.

Benefits: Kills bacteria, freshens breath, cleans hard-to-reach areas.

To Sum Up: Adopting Tongue Scraping for Better Oral Health

Tongue scraping is quick, inexpensive, and easily fits into your oral health routine, together with brushing and flossing. The existing clinical evidence shows it can reduce bad breath and improve taste, while it needs to be part of a daily routine to keep its effectiveness. Gagging can easily be avoided by following simple tips like squeezing your thumb or practicing breathing techniques.

Ready to give it a try?

You can find high-quality Oravix tongue scrapers online. They come in different shapes, so you can choose the one that fits you best.

Try now

FAQs: Best Use of a Tongue Scraper

How often should you use a tongue scraper?

There’s no official guideline on how often you should scrape your tongue. Ideally, you should do it at least once a day. Some people prefer to do it twice a day, “ once in the morning and once before bed ”, according to Dr. Queiroz.

Should you scrape your tongue before or after brushing your teeth?

Is it OK to use a toothbrush or a spoon as a tongue scraper?

How often should you replace your tongue scraper?

U tongue scrapper
Metal Tongue Scraper
Rated 5.00 out of 5 £8,99
Tongue Scraper Thumbnail Oravix
Tongue Scraper
Rated 4.95 out of 5 £8,99

References

Oravix (n.d.). Oravix Product User Manuals. Oravix.com. Retrieved July 4, 2024, from https://oravix.com/start/
National Institutes of Health (NIH) (2020, March 13). Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth. National Institute of Aging. Retrieved July 4, 2024, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/teeth-and-mouth/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth
Shenoy, Nina; Shetty, Akshatha. (2023). Breath Malodor – A Review of the Fundamentals. Journal of Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences University 18(4):p 882-888. https://doi.org/10.4103/jdmimsu.jdmimsu_505_23
Choi, H. N., Cho, Y. S., & Koo, J. W. (2021). The Effect of Mechanical Tongue Cleaning on Oral Malodor and Tongue Coating. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(1), 108. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010108
Van der Sleen, M. I., Slot, D. E., Van Trijffel, E., Winkel, E. G., & Van der Weijden, G. A. (2010). Effectiveness of mechanical tongue cleaning on breath odour and tongue coating: a systematic review. International journal of dental hygiene, 8(4), 258–268. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-5037.2010.00479.x
Kuo, Y. W., Yen, M., Fetzer, S., & Lee, J. D. (2013). Toothbrushing versus toothbrushing plus tongue cleaning in reducing halitosis and tongue coating: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nursing research, 62(6), 422–429. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNR.0b013e3182a53b3a
Timmesfeld, N., Kunst, M., Fondel, F., Güldner, C., & Steinbach, S. (2021). Mechanical tongue cleaning is a worthwhile procedure to improve the taste sensation. Journal of oral rehabilitation, 48(1), 45–54. https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.13099
Pedrazzi, V., Sato, S., de Mattos, M.daG., Lara, E. H., & Panzeri, H. (2004). Tongue-cleaning methods: a comparative clinical trial employing a toothbrush and a tongue scraper. Journal of periodontology, 75(7), 1009–1012. https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.2004.75.7.1009

This article offers general oral health info and isn’t a substitute for professional advice. Always consult your dentist or healthcare provider with any medical questions.

I’m a biomedical engineer turned content writer with over a decade of experience in the healthcare industry and a Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences. I’m passionate about transforming complex scientific research into accessible content to help readers make informed decisions about their health.

www.biotyhealthcare.com/

How to Use a Tongue Scraper: 7 Easy Steps with Tips from 4 Dental Experts to Avoid the Gag Reflex