Published on: November 18, 2024
If you’re curious about the real effects of tongue scraping, you’re not alone. Many people search for genuine “tongue scraper before and after” results to understand what regular scraping can really achieve.
A tongue scraper, also called tongue cleaner, works by gently pulling across the tongue’s surface, removing the layer of bacteria, food particles and dead cells that build up throughout the day. But what results does this actually bring?
To give you a clear picture, we’ve gathered insights from dental experts, clinical research and user reviews on the best results you can expect from adding this simple practice to your oral care routine.
What to Expect: Before and After Tongue Scraping Over Time
Immediate Results
1. Your tongue feels cleaner
Clinical observations show that regular scraping can improve the appearance of your tongue [1, 2]. It reduces any white or yellow coating and leaves the tongue looking healthier and cleaner [1, 2].
“ Using a dedicated tongue scraper will definitely improve oral hygiene – no question – and you should notice improvements pretty quickly. Within a week of daily use, expect fresher breath and a heightened sense of taste because a tongue scraper excels at getting rid of bacteria, dead cells, and food debris that lead to bad breath. Plus, you’ll likely see that unsightly white or yellow coating on your tongue start to disappear, which makes your tongue look healthier and your breath smell better.”
2. Your breath feels fresher
One of the most immediate benefits of tongue scraping is fresher breath [1, 2]. Bacteria collect on the tongue overnight and can cause bad breath (also called halitosis). Scraping in the morning clears away these odor-causing bacteria. Studies show that regular tongue scraping can significantly reduce both halitosis and bacterial load within just a few days to a week [3].
Although the effects can be immediate, it’s important to know that they only last if tongue scraping is repeated daily [4].
“ If you’re dealing with chronic bad breath or a persistently coated tongue, seriously think about adding a tongue scraper to your dental care schedule. It complements your usual brushing and flossing perfectly, keeping your mouth fresh and healthy. ”
Here’s what a regular user of the Oravix stainless steel tongue scraper says about the breath improvement:
Source: Amazon user reviews. Amazon.com. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
3. You have a better sense of taste
Tongue scraping can also sharpen your sense of taste [5]. Buildup on the tongue dulls taste buds, so clearing this layer lets you enjoy flavors more fully.
Here’s what other users of the Oravix stainless steel tongue scraper have to say about their sense of taste:
Source: Amazon user reviews. Amazon.com. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
Long-Term Health Benefits
Reduces harmful bacteria
Although you may not visibly notice other effects, research shows that tongue scraping improves oral hygiene by significantly reducing bacteria levels, including mutans streptococci and lactobacilli – both linked to cavities and gum disease – when done twice daily for a week [6].
In fact, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) in the US even recommends adopting tongue cleaning for better mouth hygiene [7].
Supports Digestive Health
Tongue cleaning may support digestion from an Ayurvedic perspective. A study shows that practicing it every morning for 4 weeks may help reduce constipation and improve overall body health [8].
” From my experience, tongue scraping is a really important part of maintaining good oral health over the long term. It helps reduce the risk of plaque buildup and gum disease by stimulating saliva production. More saliva means better digestion and a mouth environment that’s less welcoming to harmful bacteria. “
Impact on Plaque Formation
Studies on tongue cleaning and plaque formation show mixed results: Gross et al. observed less plaque buildup [9], while Badersten et al. found no effect on plaque prevention [10].
You can learn more about these science-backed benefits in our tongue scraper benefits guide.
Expert Tips to Get the Best Results
Use Your Tongue Scraper Daily
For best results, use your tongue scraper daily. Many people prefer to scrape once in the morning, though some find it beneficial to scrape twice—once in the morning and once before bed.
“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.”
You may find different views on the best time to scrape in your routine, whether it should be done before or after brushing. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) in the US even recommends to clean your tongue after brushing.
Likewise, Dr. Shahrooz Yazdani also suggests scraping after brushing and flossing:
2. Design: Handle length and scraping edge.
Look for an ergonomic design that ensures a comfortable, secure grip for effective cleaning without straining your hand. Some grips are thicker for easier handling. While some steel scrapers have plastic grips, this dual design can sometimes make the tool feel less sturdy.
Short handles: Require to extend the tongue more for better access.
Dual design (steel with plastic grip): Can feel less sturdy.
Serrated edges: Offer more thorough cleaning.
Multiple edges: Effective cleaning in a single sweep.
Flexible scrapers: Easier to reach entire tongue without triggering gag reflex.
Angled: Aids in cleaning the back of the tongue more effectively.
“ Use your tongue scraper after you’ve brushed and flossed your teeth. This allows for a full mouth clean, as brushing may have dislodged bacteria and food particles onto your tongue.”
One thing is for sure: tongue scraping helps with bad breath but isn’t a one-time fix. Bacteria build up again during the day, especially after meals. For best results, scrape daily and after eating (if needed) to keep your breath fresh.
Add it as part of a comprehensive routine
Tongue scraping boosts oral hygiene but doesn’t replace brushing or flossing. Best results are obtained when you combine all of those, that’s why dentists suggest adding tongue scraping to your routine for the most complete oral care.
“Remember that tongue scraping is not an alternative to regular oral hygiene practices like toothbrushing.”
You can find an example of a comprehensive oral care routine in our post on how to use a tongue scraper.
Use the right technique
Here are some tips to follow for effective tongue cleaning:
- Start from the back: Position the scraper at the back, but don’t go too far to avoid gagging.
- Apply light pressure: Use gentle pressure for effective cleaning without discomfort.
- Scrape forward: Pull the scraper from back to front in one smooth motion.
- Rinse as you go: Rinse the scraper after each pass.
- Rinse your mouth: Finish with water or mouthwash for a fresh, clean feel.
For more guidance on best practices and simple tips to avoid triggering a gag reflex, see our post on how to use a tongue scraper.
Use dedicated tools
Should you be using toothbrushes, the scrapers found on some toothbrushes, or dedicated tongue scrapers then?
Some people believe using a toothbrush to clean their tongue can work just as well, but studies show that tongue scrapers remove up to 30% more odor-causing compounds than a toothbrush, making scrapers significantly more effective [3].
While there’s no clinical evidence comparing scrapers on toothbrushes with dedicated ones, you may find that dedicated scrapers offer a wider, smoother surface than toothbrush scrapers, which may reduce gagging. Those made from materials like stainless steel are also more durable for long-term use.
” While some toothbrushes include scrapers, I personally recommend using a specialized tool. “
If you need additional guidance on how to choose the best tool for you, dental experts provide more advice in our best tongue scraper guide.
Tracking Your “Before and After” Results
Tips to Measure Your “Before and After” Changes
Take a “before” photo of your tongue and then compare it to a new photo after a week or two of daily scraping. Note any changes in breath freshness, taste and tongue appearance. A quick note in your journal can also help you see the progress over time.
Join the Community
Share your “before and after” in the comments or use the hashtag #oravix and connect with others on the same journey. Mention your Oravix scraper if you’re using one, so that others can compare results and tools to find what works best for them.
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.
FAQs: Tongue Scraper Before and After Results
How long does it take to see results from tongue scraping?
Most people notice fresher breath and a cleaner tongue after the first few uses. With daily scraping, you can expect improved taste and a healthier tongue within a week or two.
Is it normal for the tongue to feel sensitive after scraping?
Yes, some sensitivity is common, especially if you’re new to tongue scraping. To avoid discomfort, try using less pressure or a scraper with a gentler design. See our best tongue scraper guide for options that may suit sensitive tongues.
What if I don’t see any noticeable results?
If you’re not noticing changes despite daily scraping, you might want to review your technique. For help, see our how to use a tongue scraper guide. If this still doesn’t work and you still suffer from bad breath, you should consult a healthcare professional as it could be a symptom of other medical issues.
References
- 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.
- 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
- Bordas, A., McNab, R., Staples, A., Bowman, J., Kanapka, J., & Bosma, M. (2008). Impact of different tongue cleaning methods on the bacterial load of the tongue dorsum.. Archives of oral biology, 53 Suppl 1, S13-8 . https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-9969(08)70004-9.
- 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
- Almas, K., Al-Sanawi, E., & Al-Shahrani, B. (2005). The effect of tongue scraper on mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in patients with caries and periodontal disease. Odonto-stomatologie tropicale = Tropical dental journal, 28(109), 5–10.
- 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
- Tokinobu, A., Yorifuji, T., Sasai, M., Doi, H., & Tsuda, T. (2018). Effects of tongue cleaning on Ayurvedic digestive power and oral health-related quality of life: A randomized cross-over study.. Complementary therapies in medicine, 36, 9-13 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2017.11.011.
- Gross, A., Barnes, G. P., & Lyon, T. C. (1975). Effects of tongue brushing on tongue coating and dental plaque scores. Journal of dental research, 54(6), 1236. https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345750540062601
- Badersten, A., Egelberg, J., Jönsson, G., & Kroneng, M. (1975). Effect of tongue brushing on formation of dental plaque. Journal of periodontology, 46(10), 625–627. https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.1975.46.10.625
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.
