How to Sanitize a Tongue Scraper

A tongue scraper is a simple, inexpensive device that helps to increase oral health. The scraper, usually made of plastic, removes food, bacteria and odors from the tongue by scraping the surface of the tongue. Because the tongue scraper picks up debris and bacteria, it's important to sanitize the tool to prevent the transferring back of germs. Simple procedures help you clean and sanitize your tongue scraper so it can be used effectively to aid in oral health, without putting your general health at risk.

Things You'll Need

• Towel
• Bowls
• Antibacterial mouthwash
• White vinegar
• 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
• Dishwashing detergent

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Instructions

• 1

  Hold your tongue scraper under running water after using it. Dry with a clean towel.

• 2

  Antibacterial mouthwash kills germs in your mouth and on the tongue scraper.

  Fill a small bowl with antibacterial mouthwash. Place the tongue scraper in the mouthwash and let it soak for 30 seconds. Swish the scraper around in the mouthwash, and then rinse it off with water and towel dry it.

• 3

  Give your tongue scraper a thorough cleaning and sanitizing once a week by soaking it in undiluted white vinegar. Pour the vinegar into a bowl and submerge the tongue scraper. Let the tongue scraper sit in the vinegar until morning. Alternately, submerge the tongue scraper in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide in between uses. Discard the peroxide each day, rinse out the bowl and add fresh peroxide for each soaking.

• 4

  Remove the tongue scraper from the vinegar and pat dry with a towel.

• 5

  Place your tongue scraper and toothbrush in the dishwasher once a week for a thorough cleaning and sanitizing.