I totally get what you mean about the plastic ones getting that odd smell. I kept thinking maybe I wasn’t cleaning it enough, but even after scrubbing, it just felt... off. Switching to stainless steel made a big difference for me too. It’s easier to rinse, and I don’t worry about weird buildup.
About copper—my dentist mentioned it once, saying copper has natural antimicrobial properties. But I always wondered if that really matters for a tongue cleaner since you’re rinsing it after each use anyway. Part of me thinks it might be a bit of a marketing thing, but then again, people have used copper for ages in different cultures. Still, I’m not sure if it would actually make a noticeable difference for day-to-day use.
Honestly, just switching from plastic to metal was enough of an upgrade for me. If you try copper, I’d be curious if you actually notice anything different. Sometimes the simple switch is all you need.
I get what you’re saying about just switching to metal being enough, but I actually went for the copper one right away because I’m super anxious about germs. I know it might be a bit overkill since you rinse it every time, but honestly, just knowing it’s got those antimicrobial properties helps me stress less. Maybe it’s mostly in my head, but if it means I’m not overthinking every time I use it, I’ll take it. Stainless steel is great too, but for me, the peace of mind with copper is worth it—even if it’s just a placebo thing.
Maybe it’s mostly in my head, but if it means I’m not overthinking every time I use it, I’ll take it.
I totally get where you’re coming from—sometimes that peace of mind is half the battle. I started with stainless steel myself, but after reading about copper’s properties, I switched a few years back. Honestly, even if the science isn’t crystal clear, anything that helps you stick to the routine is worthwhile. If copper makes you feel better about using it daily, then that’s a win in my book.
Honestly, even if the science isn’t crystal clear, anything that helps you stick to the routine is worthwhile. If copper makes you feel better about using it daily, then that’s a win in my book.
I’ll admit, I was a skeptic about copper at first. My dentist called tongue cleaning “optional,” but after sixty-odd years, I’ve learned that “optional” usually means “you’ll regret skipping it later.” I started with plastic (cheap and cheerful), but those things felt like they were designed by someone who’d never seen a tongue. Switched to stainless steel, which was fine, but I kept hearing about copper’s supposed antibacterial magic.
Whether it’s placebo or not, I do notice my mouth feels fresher now. Maybe it’s just that copper’s got a bit more heft—makes me feel like I’m wielding a proper tool instead of a flimsy spatula. I can’t say if it’s killing any more germs, but if it keeps me motivated to scrape every morning, I’ll take it. At my age, anything that makes the routine less of a chore is worth its weight in gold... or copper, as it were.
Maybe it’s just that copper’s got a bit more heft—makes me feel like I’m wielding a proper tool instead of a flimsy spatula.
I totally get what you mean about the “proper tool” feeling. There’s something about copper that just feels more intentional, like you’re actually doing something for your mouth. I’ve tried plastic and stainless too, and honestly, plastic always felt a bit too bendy for me. Stainless was okay, but copper seems to have just the right weight.
From what I’ve read, there’s some evidence copper can inhibit bacterial growth, but whether that makes a real difference in daily use is still up for debate. Still, I’ve noticed less morning breath since switching, which is enough for me. Sometimes it’s less about hard science and more about what keeps you consistent, especially with routines that are easy to skip.
Funny enough, my hygienist once said she could tell who actually cleaned their tongue just by looking at their taste buds. Not sure how accurate that is, but it stuck with me.
