Is a tongue scraper essential, or does your toothbrush work just as well for tongue cleaning?
Question: Toothbrushes with built-in tongue scrapers and standalone scrapers are everywhere in stores. I clean my tongue daily with my toothbrush bristles. Is that effective enough? Is a dedicated scraper superior? And how often should you clean your tongue? — V. L., Nijmegen
Dentist Mascha Koster: "Bacteria and food particles on the tongue's back produce sulfur compounds, causing bad breath. Rough tongues trap more residues than smooth ones, leading to buildup and odor. Tongue cleaning reduces deposits for a fresher feel, though it doesn't affect gums. Research confirms dedicated scrapers outperform toothbrushes. Clean twice daily: morning and evening."
