If you’re already brushing your tongue and using floss picks, you’re probably covering most of your bases.
Honestly, this is kind of reassuring to hear. I keep seeing people hype up all these extra tools and it makes me wonder if I’m missing out or doing something wrong. But yeah, the gag reflex thing is real... I can barely handle brushing my tongue sometimes, let alone scraping it. Glad to know I’m not the only one who thinks it’s not a total game changer.
I totally get where you’re coming from. There’s so much buzz around tongue scrapers lately, it almost feels like you’re slacking if you don’t use one. Honestly, I tried using a scraper for a couple weeks and couldn’t tell a huge difference from just brushing my tongue—except the gag reflex was way worse. Have you noticed any actual changes in your breath or taste when you brush your tongue versus not? For me, as long as I’m flossing and brushing (including my tongue, at least a little), things seem fine. Sometimes it’s easy to overthink all the extra gadgets...
Honestly, I tried using a scraper for a couple weeks and couldn’t tell a huge difference from just brushing my tongue—except the gag reflex was way worse.
I actually had the opposite experience. Brushing my tongue never seemed to get all the gunk off, but the scraper just felt more effective—less fuzzy feeling in my mouth, if that makes sense. The gag reflex thing was rough at first, but after a week or so it got way easier. Maybe it’s just one of those things that works better for some people than others?
I’ve tried both for a while now, and honestly, the scraper just seems to get way more stuff off my tongue than brushing ever did. I had a pretty strong gag reflex at first too, but after a couple weeks it barely bothered me anymore. Maybe it’s partly about getting used to the motion? For me, my mouth just feels cleaner with the scraper, but I know not everyone has the same results.
“I had a pretty strong gag reflex at first too, but after a couple weeks it barely bothered me anymore.”
That’s encouraging to hear. My kid’s dentist suggested trying a scraper for better breath, but my son couldn’t handle it at all—kept gagging and just refused after a few tries. Maybe we gave up too soon? I’ve wondered if it’s just an age thing or if some people never get used to it. For now, we’re sticking with brushing, but I do notice the difference in how fresh my own mouth feels when I use the scraper. Still not sure if it’s worth pushing him to try again...