Are you struggling with bad breath and unsure whether a tongue cleaner or mouthwash is the better fix? You’re not alone. Many South Africans face the discomfort of bad breath, whether it's a persistent morning issue or something that lingers throughout the day. While both a tongue cleaner and mouthwash are practical solutions, which is better?
Let’s break down the differences so you can make an informed decision and start breathing fresher today. If you’re looking to upgrade your dental care routine, Smile Shop has premium solutions from top dental brands, delivered conveniently to your door.
What causes bad breath?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria produce sulphur compounds that result in unpleasant odours.
Common causes include:
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Poor oral hygiene
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Food particles trapped between teeth or on the tongue
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Dry mouth (low saliva production)
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Gum disease or tooth decay
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Smoking or alcohol use
The good news? Most of these causes are manageable with the right dental care tools.
How does a tongue cleaner help with bad breath?
A tongue cleaner (also known as a tongue scraper) removes bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that accumulate on the tongue's surface. These are mainly present in the back area, where most odour-causing compounds are found.
Benefits of using a tongue cleaner:
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Physically removes the top layer of debris that mouthwash can’t always reach
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Promotes fresher breath almost instantly
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Helps improve taste sensation by cleaning the taste buds
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Aids overall oral hygiene by reducing the bacterial load
If you're searching for how to get rid of bad breath, using a tongue cleaner daily is one of the most effective and affordable habits you can adopt.
Check out Smile Shop’s extensive range of tongue cleaners to fit your budget.
How does mouthwash compare?
Mouthwash rinses the entire mouth with an antimicrobial solution. It can help reduce bacteria, freshen breath, and reach areas that brushing or scraping may miss.
But not all mouthwashes are created equal. Some only mask odours without addressing the root cause.
Benefits of mouthwash:
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Easy and quick to use
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Reaches hard-to-brush areas between teeth and along the gumline
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Often contains ingredients that combat plaque and gingivitis
That said, mouthwash alone might not remove the bacterial coating on the tongue, which is often the primary source of bad breath.
Buy a mouthwash from Smile Shop and get it delivered to your door without the fuss.
Is tongue cleaner or mouthwash better for bad breath?
Tongue cleaner recap:
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Removes the root cause of odour (bacteria and debris on the tongue)
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Simple to use once or twice daily
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Long-term benefits for overall oral hygiene
Mouthwash recap:
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Great supplementary rinse for fresher breath
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Works well alongside brushing and flossing
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It may not eliminate tongue bacteria on its own
Verdict: For lasting results and cleaner breath, a tongue cleaner is your best first line of defence. Mouthwash works best as a complementary step, not a substitute.
How to use a tongue cleaner
Here are Smile Shop’s step-by-step rules for making a tongue cleaner effective:
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Stick out your tongue and place the scraper at the back.
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Gently pull forward with light pressure.
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Rinse the scraper after each stroke.
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Repeat 5–10 times, or until the tongue looks visibly cleaner.
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Rinse your mouth and clean the tool thoroughly after use.
Use a tongue cleaner every morning before brushing for best results.
Combine both for maximum freshness
For the ultimate bad breath treatment, we recommend using both tools:
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Scrape your tongue in the morning.
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Brush and floss as usual.
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Use mouthwash after meals or in the evening.
This routine tackles the problem from all angles.
Let’s unpack your common questions
1. Can I use a toothbrush instead of a tongue cleaner to clean my tongue?
While it’s better than nothing, a toothbrush doesn’t effectively remove bacteria from the tongue. A dedicated tongue cleaner is more efficient and hygienic.
2. How often should I clean my tongue?
Daily. Clean your tongue once every morning before brushing your teeth for best results.
3. Is mouthwash safe to use every day?
Yes, but opt for alcohol-free versions if you have a sensitive mouth or dry mouth. Look for products that offer antibacterial benefits.
Find your bad breath solution at Smile Shop
At Smile Shop, we offer dentist-selected, premium home dental care products that help you stay fresh between dental visits. Shop from the world's leading dental brands and enjoy nationwide free delivery on orders over R999.