Does Walgreens sell tongue scrapers, and which one should you get?

Prices are from Walgreens.com on the date above and can differ in store or change at any time.

• Best value in metal: the Walgreens Stainless Steel two-pack. At about $3 per scraper, it is the cheapest reusable steel option on the list.
• If you gag easily: a brush-style cleaner such as Orabrush can feel gentler on the back of the tongue, though it removes coating less directly than an edge. Our gag reflex guide helps with either.
• If you want a known oral care brand: GuruNanda's two-pack is a mid-priced choice. Check the box for the material, since the online listing did not say.
• If you just want something on your toothbrush: the Colgate 360's textured back is better than nothing, but it is not a true scraper.

1. Does the edge feel smooth? Run a finger along it through the packaging if you can. Sharp or rough edges are a reason to put it back.
2. Is the scraping head attached to the handle, or part of it? One-piece metal has no seam where gunk collects. Our material guide explains why that matters.
3. Will it fit your mouth? A very wide loop can be awkward for a small mouth, while a narrow one needs more passes.

Not every Walgreens carries every item, and some products on Walgreens.com are shipping-only. The Walgreens app shows in-store availability and lets you order for pickup. Tongue cleaners usually sit in the oral care aisle beside toothbrushes and flossers. If your store does not have what you want, CVS, Walmart and Target carry similar products; see our pages for CVS and Walmart.

Walgreens does not sell Zoral. You can order it at getzoral.com. It is one piece of 316L stainless steel, so there is no join between head and handle, and it is dishwasher safe and can be boiled. Pricing is $9.99 for a 2-pack or $12.99 with two ventilated travel cases.

Honest math: shipping is a flat $10 unless you spend more than $25, so a single 2-pack delivered costs about three times the Walgreens steel two-pack. If price is your main concern, the Walgreens store brand is a reasonable buy. Zoral is for people who want a 316L, seam-free scraper and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Our buying guide lays out the differences.

Cleveland Clinic recommends one or two light passes from the back of the tongue to the front, rinsing the scraper in warm water each time, after you brush and floss. If it hurts, you are pressing too hard. Scraping morning and night is plenty. Rinse and dry the scraper afterward; see how to clean a tongue scraper.