The day my tongue cleaner became a secret weapon

I switched to copper too, mostly because I got paranoid about bacteria on my old plastic one. Weirdly, I feel like my breath is fresher now, but maybe that’s just in my head? I do get nervous about overdoing it and messing up my taste buds though...

I totally get the paranoia about bacteria... I had the same thing with my old plastic scraper, and honestly, the copper just *looks* cleaner somehow. But yeah, I worry too about going overboard. Sometimes I feel like if I scrape too hard or too often, I’ll end up making my tongue sore or mess up my sense of taste. Has anyone actually had that happen? Like, is there a “too much” when it comes to tongue cleaning?

Also, do you notice any weird metallic taste from the copper? I keep thinking I will, but so far nothing obvious. The fresher breath thing is real for me too, though - maybe it’s partly just knowing it’s cleaner? I’m curious how often people use theirs without causing problems...

I actually had to figure this out when my kid’s dentist got on me about tongue hygiene (who knew, right?). We started with gentle scraping every other day, but when we got overzealous and did it twice daily, my son’s tongue got a bit raw - he complained it felt “spicy.” Backed off to every morning, problem solved. Haven’t noticed any metallic taste from the copper, though sometimes if it’s not rinsed well, there’s a weird aftertaste. I’d say less is more, especially for sensitive mouths.

That “spicy” tongue description made me laugh - my daughter said the same thing when we got a bit too enthusiastic with her scraper. I totally agree, less is more, especially for kids. We had a similar issue and just settled on every morning, and it’s been smooth sailing since. I do notice if I don’t rinse the copper one super well, there’s a funky taste. Honestly, sometimes I just use a spoon if I can’t find the scraper... works in a pinch.

Honestly, sometimes I just use a spoon if I can’t find the scraper... works in a pinch.

I’ve done the spoon trick too - honestly, it’s not that different from the cheap plastic scrapers I started with. I’m with you on rinsing the copper ones, though. If I don’t get every bit of residue off, it leaves this weird metallic aftertaste that’s hard to ignore. I’ve even noticed a little greenish patina forming if I leave it damp, which can’t be great for hygiene.

We also settled into a morning routine for my kids, but I’ve always wondered if there’s any real benefit to doing it at night as well. I read somewhere that bacteria build up overnight, but then again, maybe once a day is enough for most people? Curious if anyone’s dentist has ever recommended more frequent scraping, or if that’s just overkill.