I’ve been staring at mine too, especially since I started braces and got way more paranoid about mouth stuff. After a few months, I noticed tiny discolorations—almost like water spots? I scrubbed it with a toothbrush and soap but they never totally went away. I keep wondering if it’s just cosmetic or if it’s actually harboring bacteria. My orthodontist also just said to rinse it, but honestly, I swap mine out every year just because the idea of buildup grosses me out. Maybe it’s overkill, but with all the extra hardware in my mouth, I’m not taking chances. Anyone else get weird metallic smells from theirs?
I get what you mean about the buildup being kind of gross, but honestly, I’ve used the same stainless steel tongue scraper for like three years now. I just give it a good scrub with soap every week and let it air dry. The water spots never bothered me much—just figured it was from hard water? Haven’t noticed any weird smells, but if I did, I’d probably swap it sooner. If it’s not rusting or bending, I don’t see the point in buying a new one every year...but I get wanting to play it safe with braces and all.
If it’s not rusting or bending, I don’t see the point in buying a new one every year...but I get wanting to play it safe with braces and all.
I’m with you on this. Mine’s been hanging out in my medicine cabinet for at least four years now, and honestly, it still looks about the same as when I bought it. I do notice those water spots too—figured it was just from our hard water, like you said. Never had any funky smells either, but I give it a scrub with my toothbrush and soap every now and then.
Funny thing is, my hygienist once told me to keep an eye out for any rough edges because they can sneak up on you after a while. Haven’t had that happen yet, but I guess if you’ve got braces or sensitive gums it might be more of a concern.
I remember back in the day using those plastic scrapers and they’d get all warped after a few months. The metal ones seem to last forever by comparison. Unless something weird starts growing on it or it starts to feel off, I’m sticking with mine too.