Tongue cleaner

[2][3] While there is tentative benefit from the use of a tongue cleaner it is insufficient to draw clear conclusions with respect to bad breath.

[1] Some studies have shown that it is the bacteria on the tongue which often produce malodorous compounds and fatty acids that may account for 80–85% of all cases of bad breath.

[2][3] Tongue cleaning can reduce this coating to make it cleaner and to help return it to its natural pink color.

[10] Ayurveda, the practice of traditional Indian medicine, recommends tongue cleaning as part of one's daily hygiene regimen, to remove the toxic debris, known as Ama.

[11] Tongue hygiene has been practiced for centuries in Africa, Arabia, Europe, South America and many eastern and oriental cultures.

[2][4][10] The various materials used for tongue cleaners include thin flexible wood sections, metals, ivory, mother-of-pearl, whalebone, celluloid, tortoiseshell, and plastic.

[1][2] However, toothbrushes are not considered as effective for this purpose because they have a smaller width and are designed for brushing teeth, which have a solid structure unlike the spongy tissue of the tongue.

[2] Their effectiveness varies depending on the shape, dimensions, configuration, quality of the contact surfaces and materials used.