The performance of a tongue cleaner and its ability to protect you against bad breath, white coating, and bacteria comes down to its material. Therefore, when choosing a tongue cleaner, picking the right material is important.
There are several options available, including plastic, steel, and copper. But if you're choosing to keep your health and the environment in mind, copper is the clear winner.
Plastic Tongue Cleaners- Are They Worth It?
Plastic tongue cleaners might seem convenient, but they come with some serious downsides. Let’s have a look at the features of both the products in the table given below
|
Basis of Comparison |
Plastic tongue cleaners |
Copper tongue cleaners |
|
Production |
Plastic is made from fossil fuels, which take a lot of energy and resources to turn into products like tongue cleaners. |
Copper occurs naturally in the environment. It is a long-lasting metal that doesn't require as much energy and resources to produce as plastic. |
|
Health benefits |
Plastic isn’t good for your health. It contains harmful chemicals that can leach into your body, and there’s a risk you might ingest microplastics while using them. According to studies, we already consume about 5 grams of plastic every week. Using a plastic tongue cleaner could add to that, as small fibres might break off and end up in your mouth. |
Copper has impressive health benefits. It has natural antibacterial properties that can reduce harmful bacteria on your tongue by up to 80%. Copper also supports healthy bacteria that help maintain the mouth’s natural balance. In Ayurveda, copper has been recommended for tongue cleaning for centuries because of these benefits. It promotes overall oral health and even helps with lymphatic flow, which is essential for a strong immune system. |
|
Eco-friendliness |
Recycling plastic tongue cleaners isn’t easy. Their small size and the type of plastic used make them difficult to recycle. Only a tiny fraction of plastic gets recycled, and chances are, your plastic tongue cleaner won’t be one of them. It’s likely to end up in a landfill, contributing to pollution. |
Copper is a material that’s easier to recycle and has a long lifespan. Investing in a copper tongue cleaner means you won’t need to replace it as often, reducing waste. |
|
Effectiveness |
Plastic tongue cleaners are gentler on the tongue. However, this can be a drawback as well. If the cleaner is too gentle, it may not do a thorough job. |
Copper tongue cleaners are known for their effectiveness in removing bacteria and debris from the tongue. They’re also easier to clean, as they don’t have small parts where particles can get stuck. |
|
Longevity |
Plastic tongue cleaners need to be replaced every 3 to 4 months. Over time, this not only creates waste but also costs more money. |
Copper tongue cleaners, on the other hand, are built to last for years, making them a more economical and eco-friendly option. |
Also Read - The History and Cultural Significance of Tongue Cleaning
Bottom line
If you’re looking for a safe, reliable, and eco-friendly way to clean your tongue, copper is the way to go. It’s a healthier choice for both you and the planet. Purexa Copper Tongue Cleaner is made from 100% food-grade copper. It reduces the risk of infections, supports better digestion, and improves saliva production by eliminating toxins and bacteria from your tongue. Easy to use and maintain, this golden tool will help you keep your oral health on leash while caring for the environment. Ditch Plastic, do Copper!
Written by Dr. Shipra Jaiswal, BDS, MDS, a Periodontist and Gums Specialist
