Tongue scrapers are tools that scrape away bacteria, food debris, and dead cells on the surface of the tongue, helping to reduce the bacteria and toxins that cause bad breath. You place the head of the scrape at the back of your tongue and gently move the tool forward. "You should go as far back as possible without causing a gag reflex,” Dr. Salim says. “The entire surface of the tongue needs to be cleaned, and this action needs to be repeated a few times, after which rinsing and spitting can be done to complete the process.” She adds that you don't need to use too much force, but enough to feel like you're removing the layer of debris coating your tongue.