A 2006 review examined two studies on tongue cleaning and bad breath and found that tongue scrapers and cleaners were more effective than toothbrushes in reducing the volatile sulfur compounds that cause breath odors. The different types of manual toothbrushes affect the planet in different ways. Some of the more environmentally friendly options available include:

The bamboo handle is combined with bio-based bristles (which are arranged on a flat plane and are soft to medium hardness). Whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, ideally you should avoid using your toothbrush to clean your tongue. Some of the bacteria that contribute to gum disease (in fact two of the most damaging) live on the tongue, so there is chance you could be transferring these bacteria onto your teeth and gums. It’s even more important to use a tongue cleaner like the JiBee instead of a brush, for patients with gum disease (gingivitis). Is it better to brush or use a tongue cleaner to clean your tongue? Rinse the tongue brush or tongue scraper off after using it to remove bacteria and any food debris from the areas of the tongue you cleaned.

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Each brush head has hundreds or thousands of individual bristles in them.The bristles are grouped together into ‘tufts’ of about 20-40. According to Dr. Salim, stainless-steel tongue scrapers can be easily disinfected and they last a long time. “[Tongue scrapers need] to be cleaned by running it under warm water and leaving it to dry thereafter,” he says. Plastic tongue scrapers, like toothbrushes, need to be replaced every three to four months of regular use. Post-brushing, our teeth felt exceptionally clean, akin to a dental visit. Given the brand's reputation and the toothbrush's settings and intensities, this toothbrush is a great fit for those looking for a thorough and effective clean. Experts recommend changing your brush heads every three to four months. That's because bristles start to wear out and become more abrasive on your gums. At the time of writing, I can’t find any quality research to suggest a bigger toothbrush head is better at cleaning (although the number of bristles in a given area can have an effect).

Select a tongue scraping instrument. This may be plastic or metal. It may be bent in half making a V shape or have a handle with a rounded edge at the top. Shop online for tongue scrapers. Bristle firmness is to some degree personal preference, but evidence has shown that whilst medium bristle brushes are more effective at plaque removal than softer brushes, they can be damaging to the gums to a level that is clinically significant.The Oral-B Genius 9600 Electric Toothbrush is slightly heavier than some other toothbrush models, which might be a minor concern for individuals seeking a lighter toothbrush. CLEANS BETWEEN TEETH: The toothbrush comes with interdental bristles to help clean between teeth and along your gumline, and its polishing cups are designed to remove more plaque and surface stains than an ordinary flat trim toothbrush Almas K, et al. (2005). The effect of tongue scraper on mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in patients with caries and periodontal disease [Abstract].