---
title: "What Is Tongue scraper? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "A tongue scraper is a tool that cleans the tongue by pulling from back to front. It is a personal choice, not a required step."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tongue-scraper
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Prevention and Hygiene

# Tongue scraper

A tongue scraper is a tool that cleans the tongue by pulling from back to front. It is a personal choice, not a required step.

A tongue scraper is a tool used to help clean your tongue. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, and works by starting at the back of the tongue and pulling the scraper forward. Some people clean the tongue with a toothbrush instead.

Some say that cleaning your tongue keeps your breath fresh. The ADA says there is no evidence that brushing or scraping your tongue will prevent bad breath or improve [halitosis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bad-breath-halitosis), which is chronic bad breath. Bad breath bacteria can grow back just as fast as you remove them.

If you like how your mouth feels afterward, you can keep it up. It comes down to personal preference. The ADA's four steps are to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth daily, eat a healthy diet, and see your dentist regularly. See [oral hygiene](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/oral-hygiene).

## Related terms

-   [Bad breath (halitosis)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bad-breath-halitosis)
-   [Oral hygiene](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/oral-hygiene)
-   [Brushing technique](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/brushing-technique)
-   [Mouthwash (mouth rinse)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/mouthwash-mouth-rinse)
-   [Saliva](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/saliva)

## Sources

1.  [ADA MouthHealthy: Tongue Scrapers and Cleaners](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/tongue-scrapers)
2.  [ADA MouthHealthy: Tongue Scrapers and Cleaners](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/tongue-scrapers)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)