How long do those metal tongue cleaners actually last?

I can definitely relate to your concern - mine never lasts more than a year, tops. I’m actually a bit paranoid about using anything that’s gotten even slightly bent or rusty, so I end up replacing them more often than most people probably would. Maybe it’s a quality thing? The stainless steel ones I’ve tried still get those weird little bends after a while, especially if I’m not super gentle. Honestly, I sometimes wonder if I’m just pressing too hard out of habit. I’d rather be overly cautious than risk scraping my tongue with something that’s not in great shape... but yeah, ten years sounds wild to me too.

The stainless steel ones I’ve tried still get those weird little bends after a while, especially if I’m not super gentle.

This is exactly what bugs me about the “lifetime” claims on some of these things. I get that stainless steel should last, but if it’s getting bent or even a hint of rust, I’m out. I’ve tossed a couple just because they started to look sketchy, even if technically they were still usable. I’d rather not risk it, especially with something that goes in my mouth every day.

I do wonder if it’s partly a design thing too - some of the thinner ones just don’t hold up, no matter how careful you are. And yeah, pressing too hard is probably a factor (I catch myself doing that when I’m half-asleep). I’ve actually switched to a slightly thicker model and it seems to be holding up better, but I still don’t trust it for a decade. Ten years? That’s like toothbrush urban legend territory. I’d rather swap it out yearly than end up with a tongue injury or some weird infection... better safe than sorry, right?

I do wonder if it’s partly a design thing too - some of the thinner ones just don’t hold up, no matter how careful you are.

That’s been my experience, too. The first stainless steel cleaner I bought was super thin and honestly, it barely lasted six months before it started to warp. I tried to be gentle, but sometimes you’re just in a rush, right? I switched to a thicker, more rounded one and it’s definitely sturdier, but I still keep an eye out for any rust or weird bends. “Lifetime” just feels like marketing talk when it comes to something you use daily and clean constantly.

I do think design plays a big role - thicker handles and edges seem to make a difference. But I’m with you on swapping them out if they start looking sketchy. Oral hygiene is not where I want to take risks. Has anyone actually had one last more than a couple years without any issues? Or is that just wishful thinking?

The first stainless steel cleaner I bought was super thin and honestly, it barely lasted six months before it started to warp.

I’m convinced the “lifetime” claims are mostly hype, too. Mine always gets these little bends right where I grip it, and after a while it just feels flimsy. I tried one with a chunkier handle and it lasted longer, but still didn’t make it past two years before the metal started to look dull and, honestly, a bit sketchy. I also wonder if cleaning method matters - like, I rinse mine with hot water and sometimes soap, but maybe some people do more? Either way, I’d rather swap it out than risk any weird buildup.