10 Best Tongue Cleaners for Babies in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dentist
A child's oral hygiene is very important, especially during their newborn stage. Since they don't have teeth yet, one way to do it is to clean their tongue and gums using tongue cleaners specifically made for babies.After doing a quick browse online, one will discover a wide range of options for tongue cleaners with their own advantages and disadvantages.
This article aims to help you navigate those options by giving you a curated list of the 10 best tongue cleaners for babies available online and an informative buying guide reviewed by dentist Dr. Carlo Umlas to help you know what to consider when buying.
Quick List - Top Tongue Cleaners for Babies
Dr. Carlo Umlas is a board-certified dentist and practices orthodontics and endodontics in the Philippines. He is also currently undergoing training in implantology. He enjoys educating patients on oral health and the impact of oral hygiene on overall health through his dental clinic, Avant Dental Solutions. You can book an appointment with him and know more about his practice through his Facebook page!
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Tongue Cleaners for Babies to Buy Online
- No. 1Tiny Buds | Baby's First Toothbrush & Tongue Cleaner Set
- No. 2Looney Tunes | Infant Oral Care Set
- No. 3360DO | Baby Plus Toothbrush With Stopper
- No. 4Baby Moby | Sterile Gauze Pads
- No. 5Li'l Twinkies | Baby Oral Cleanser Silicone Toothbrush
- 5 more products
- Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Carlo Umlas
- When Should You Start Cleaning Baby's Mouth?
- Why Use Tongue Cleaner for Babies?
- When Should You Stop Using Tongue Cleaners for Babies?
- More Tips from Dr. Carlo Umlas
- More Baby Products for Your Little Bundle of Joy
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
How to Choose a Tongue Cleaner for Babies - Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Choose a type: brushers or scrapers?
- Choose your preferred material.
- Consider the stage of the baby.
- Look for additional features like stoppers, cleansers, and colorful handles.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Choose a Type: Brushes or Scrapers?
There are two types of tongue cleaners: tongue brushes and tongue scrapers. While they both help in maintaining your oral health, each has its own advantage and disadvantages. Read further to know more about the different types of tongue cleaners.
Tongue Brushes Are Safe and Easy to Use
Tongue brushes look a lot similar to a typical toothbrush, but their difference is that their bristles are made to clean the gaps of the tongue instead of the teeth. While you can purchase them separately, tongue brushes usually come already built-in with toothbrushes.
Tongue brushes are made with very soft and very flexible bristles. They can be worn on your finger for more control and precision when cleaning your baby's tongue. Compared to tongue scrapers, they are easier to use and more suitable to use on babies.
Brushing your baby's tongue doesn't just remove harmful bacteria. It also improves their sense of taste and helps them distinguish between the different types of taste.
Tongue Scrapers Are More Effective but Trickier to Use
A tongue scraper is a small, slightly rounded tool made from either plastic or metal. This type of tongue cleaner is best for babies with teeth that are mostly visible already. However, adult supervision is still required when using this tool for cleaning your baby's tongue.
With tongue scrapers, you'll be sure to find something on the market for every age. It's not necessary, but adding it to your routine can greatly help your oral hygiene. This study suggests that tongue scrapers remove 30 percent more volatile sulfur compounds on the tongue than a regular toothbrush.
Tongue scrapers are indeed more effective than tongue brushes. As your baby begins teething, it's even more essential to prevent bacteria buildup in their mouth to avoid damaging their growing teeth.
Choose Your Preferred Material
If softness and durability are your concerns, then definitely check out the material of the tongue cleaner. The most common ones you can find are silicone and plastic, as they are both soft and flexible, making them ideal for babies and even toddlers alike.
Silicone Is Soft and Flexible
Silicone is a soft, flexible, and easy to clean material that is ideal for tongue brushes, especially for newborns. This is because they are super flexible and just soft enough to not hurt the inside of your baby's mouth. Aside from that, tongue cleaners made out of silicone are light, easy to clean, and easy to maneuver.
If you’re buying one for your child, make sure that the silicone is food-grade and BPA-free to ensure your child’s safety. Also, make sure to clean it properly by cleaning it with soap or simply washing it in running water after use.
Choosing food-grade and BPA-free silicone is important to avoid harmful chemicals from leaching into your child's oral cavity. Tongue cleaners made of ordinary silicone do not meet safety requirements and would endanger your child's health.
Plastic Is Cheap and Durable
Plastic tongue cleaners are usually cheaper, but they are all less flexible and more susceptible to breakage over time. Because of this, tongue cleaners made out of plastics usually need to be replaced more frequently compared to tongue cleaners made from other materials.
Another disadvantage of this material is that they are tougher, and they feel harder, which is not ideal for babies, especially newborns who still have soft and sensitive tongues and gums. Before you buy one, make sure to assess first whether or not the tongue cleaner is soft enough or if it's too hard and may cause harm to your baby's tongue and gums.
Plastic tongue cleaners are also more susceptible to the accumulation of bacteria. Make sure to clean it well after every scraping session by washing it with warm, soapy water and storing it in a dry and clean place. Do not keep the tongue cleaner in a closed container to prevent bacteria buildup.
Consider the Stage of the Baby
Different stages require the use of different kinds of tongue cleaners. What is ideal for newborns may not be as effective for toddlers and young children. When buying a tongue cleaner, also consider how old your baby is particularly if he/she is already starting to show teeth.
If the Baby Has No Teeth Yet, a Cloth or a Gauze Would Suffice
For newborns, it’s recommended to just use a piece of cloth or gauze wrapped around the finger for cleaning your baby’s tongue. To do this, simply dip your covered fingered into warm water and softly rub your finger over your baby’s tongue, gums, as well as the inside of his/her cheeks.
With this technique, you can take care of your baby's oral hygiene without having to shell out money to buy a tongue cleaner or potentially hurting the inside of their mouths. As long as the baby shows no sign of teeth yet, do this in a circular motion at least twice a day.
It can be difficult for babies to cooperate while you're cleaning their tongues. The best way to get them to open up is to put a finger near their mouth and wait for them to react and open it. Then you can insert your finger gently and slowly to give them time to get used to the sensation.
If the Teeth Start to Come In, a Finger Brush Would Be More Suitable
At around 4-6 months old, your baby's teeth will start to grow, and by this time, you might want to switch to finger brushes when cleaning your child's tongue. Finger brushes have short silicone bristles that can be worn on your finger to prevent them from going deep into the mouth.
Finger brushes give you more control, and they're easier to clean and pack anywhere because of their small and travel-friendly size. Most importantly, they are perfect for toddlers as they are more effective than cloth or gauze but less intimidating than toothbrushes.
Just like adults, babies' mouths also need to be cleaned twice a day. When your child reaches toddler age, around 12 to 18 months, you can begin using a tiny amount of fluoride-free toothpaste, just the size of a rice grain.
If the Teeth Are Mostly Visible, It's Best to Switch to Toothbrushes
If your child's teeth are mostly showing already, then it's time to switch to a kid-friendly toothbrush with a tongue cleaner. This will ease them into slowly learning how to use a toothbrush, and of course, learn how to take care of their oral health as part of their daily routine.
When you're buying your child's first toothbrush, choose one that preferably comes with a stopper to prevent the toothbrush from getting too deep into your child's mouth. Also, consider those with comfortable and secure grips that could let your child practice using the toothbrush on his/her own.
If you're opting for a toothbrush with a built-in tongue cleaner, choose one that has an appropriate size for your child's mouth. Chunky brush heads can trigger their gag reflex and cause discomfort, and may eventually lead them to dislike the process. For very young children, it's important that their oral cleaning routine always be pleasant, so they don't develop an aversion to it.
Look for Additional Features Like Stoppers, Cleansers, and Colorful Handles
When buying tongue cleaners for your child, consider those with extra features such as stoppers, cleansers, colorful handles, and cases. With adjustable stoppers, you can prevent your baby from choking especially when transitioning to a regular toothbrush.
Meanwhile, tooth and gum cleansers can provide a kid-friendly formula in place of regular toothpaste. Lastly, tongue cleaners with colorful handles and cases can help keep it fun while also preventing possible contamination.
10 Best Tongue Cleaners for Babies to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tiny Buds Baby's First Toothbrush & Tongue Cleaner Set | | A Complete Toothbrush Set Made for Babies | |
2 | Looney Tunes Infant Oral Care Set | | A Travel-Friendly Oral Health Kit for Your Baby | |
3 | 360DO Baby Plus Toothbrush With Stopper | | An All-Around Toothbrush With Stopper | |
4 | Baby Moby Sterile Gauze Pads | | Gently Clean Your Baby’s Tongue With Disposable Pads | |
5 | Li'l Twinkies Baby Oral Cleanser Silicone Toothbrush | | An Oral Cleanser With an Easy-to-Use Finger Slip Brush | |
6 | Nature to Nurture Wheat Straw Ultra-Fine Bristle Toothbrush | | Ultra-Soft Toothbrush for Your Child's Delicate Dental Care | |
7 | Nature to Nurture Tongue Cleaner | | A Soft Tongue Cleaner for Removing Milk Build-Up | |
8 | Marcus & Marcus Kids Interactive Sonic Silicone Toothbrush Set | | A Toothbrush Set to Teach Your Child About Oral Health | |
9 | Spiffies Baby Toothwipes (Grape) | | Avoid Gagging by Using Sweet-Tasting Cleaning Wipes | |
10 | Hello Kitty Kids in Mind Tongue Cleaner | | A Mini Tongue Scraper for Your Kid |
A Complete Toothbrush Set Made for Babies
From TinyBuds, this toothbrush set has all the important things you need when it comes to your child's oral hygiene. It has a soft baby training toothbrush, a baby tongue cleaner, and a baby stopper all in one pack. All these three are designed to fit into your baby's mouth perfectly.
In terms of material, this toothbrush set is made with super-soft BPA-free silicone that can clean your baby's gums, teeth, and tongue. By using these daily, preferably with a tooth gel, you can take care of your baby's oral health while also building good oral habits as he/she grows up.
A Travel-Friendly Oral Health Kit for Your Baby
Do you travel a lot with your family? If yes, then you should definitely check out this Baby Looney Tunes Infant Oral Care Set. It includes two different kinds of finger brushes, stored in a clear, pocket-size plastic case for easy carrying while avoiding contamination. The finger brushes are ideal for newborns, especially for removing milk stains on your baby's teeth and tongue.
By simply wearing the finger brushes, you can do a more accurate and complete cleaning of the inside of your child's mouth. The silicone finger brushes are BPA-free, and they are also customizable as they can come in different designs based on different Looney Tunes characters!
An All-Around Toothbrush With Stopper
With all the specific products available in the market, sometimes it can be confusing to shop for baby essentials. However, with this all-in-one toothbrush, you can avoid all that hassle as it can be used for brushing the teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. It has 0.08mm ultra-fine bristles for a smoother and more polished cleaning and a stopper to prevent kids from choking or gagging.
Aside from that, this toothbrush has a cylindrical 3D head with 20 times more bristles than a normal toothbrush, perfect for reaching those hard-to-reach areas inside your baby's mouth. It also has an easy-grip handle and is BPA-free, so you don't have to worry about its safety, especially when you're using it to massage and clean your baby's tongue.
Gently Clean Your Baby’s Tongue With Disposable Pads
If you're worried about potentially choking your baby with a tongue scraper or even a finger brush, then definitely consider Baby Moby's Sterile Gauze Pads as an alternative. It's made from 100% natural cotton, so you can be assured that it is smooth and soft enough for your newborn's sensitive tongue and gums.
Each pad is 8-ply and measures 2 by 2 inches. In a box, there are 40 packs with smaller individual packs of 2s inside. They are sterilized in high temperatures, so this ensures cleanliness and safety when used to clean your baby's gums, tongue, cheek pouches, and teeth.
Li'l TwinkiesBaby Oral Cleanser Silicone Toothbrush
An Oral Cleanser With an Easy-to-Use Finger Slip Brush
This oral cleanser is perfect for cleaning milk build-up on your baby's tongue and gums. To use it, simply wear the finger brush after sterilizing it, and you can get to cleaning your baby's mouth with more ease and control.
This oral cleanser comes with a travel case, so you won't have to worry about putting it somewhere where it can't get contaminated. If you're concerned about your newborn's safety, then you shouldn't be with this product as it is made with food-grade silicone and soft bristles that are gentle on your baby's mouth.
In fact, it has gum massaging dots that allow you to soothe sore gums, especially during the teething phase of your newborn. Overall, it's a simple yet functional oral cleaner at a very low price.
Nature to NurtureWheat Straw Ultra-Fine Bristle Toothbrush
Ultra-Soft Toothbrush for Your Child's Delicate Dental Care
For babies, toddlers, and kids with sensitive teeth and gums, Nature to Nurture has what you need! Featuring ultra-fine and soft bristles, this toothbrush cleans the teeth while soothing the cheeks and gums with each stroke. With over 10,000 micro-fiber bristles, parents note how it covers more surface area, ensuring a thorough clean every time.
What's more, it includes a food-grade silicone tongue cleaner at the back of the brush, gently removing bacteria and debris from the tongue. The handle of this toothbrush is even made with 30% biodegradable wheat straw, offering an eco-friendly alternative. Plus, it comes complete with a toothbrush cover to keep it hygienic while not in use.
A Soft Tongue Cleaner for Removing Milk Build-Up
This tongue cleaner for kids from Nature to Nurture is perfect if you want something simple and easy to use for cleaning your baby's small and sensitive tongue. It's made entirely of soft silicone, and it is a great addition to your children's toothbrush routine.
To clean this tongue cleaner, simply sterilize it using hot water, steam, or UV before and/or after every use. Also, you can decide on a design as it comes in three different colors: red, blue, and yellow. As parents, we only want the best for our babies. With this product, you'll be sure that your baby gets the best care.
Marcus & MarcusKids Interactive Sonic Silicone Toothbrush Set
A Toothbrush Set to Teach Your Child About Oral Health
If you want your child to learn how to look after their own dental health, then this toothbrush set is for you. It includes a toothbrush, an interactive LCD brushing timer with an optical sensor, and a toothbrushing chart. What's unique about this is that it has a replaceable toothbrush head, which can be changed over time.
Additionally, this toothbrush is double-sided and has a tongue cleaner at the back part. Since it's made of soft, flexible, and long-lasting bristles, cleaning one's tongue is easy and, most importantly, pain-free. Overall, this toothbrush set is a fun and interactive way of teaching your kid all about oral hygiene.
Avoid Gagging by Using Sweet-Tasting Cleaning Wipes
With newborns, it's twice the challenge when trying to clean or even put anything in their mouths. For this problem, Spiffies Tooth Wipes is a great solution. Each pack contains 20 individually wrapped disposable towelettes that you can simply wrap around your finger and use to clean the inside of your baby's mouth, most especially the tongue.
Spiffies Tooth Wipes is designed for infants over the age of 4 months as it can effectively scrub away plaque with regular use. It has a naturally sweet flavor that creates a positive experience with oral health and helps you clean your baby's mouth with ease.
Lastly, an important thing to note about these wipes is the presence of xylitol, which some studies have shown to be an effective defense when it comes to dental decay in children.
A Mini Tongue Scraper for Your Kid
Does your daughter like fun and colorful designs? If yes, then this Hello Kitty-inspired mini tongue scraper is a purchase worth considering. It's lightweight and handy, plus it has a pink Hello Kitty theme that would surely make taking care of your little one's oral health more fun.
Compared to cloth, gauzes, and finger brushes, tongue scrapers are much more ideal for your babies as they grow up because they can learn how to use them on their own without any help. The fun design on this tongue scraper can help motivate your child towards taking care of his/her oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Carlo Umlas
Below are some of the frequently asked questions answered by Dr. Carlo Umlas to guide you even more on how to use a tongue cleaner.
When Should You Start Cleaning Baby's Mouth?
You can begin cleaning your baby's mouth as a newborn, even before he or she begins teething. Even if they don't have teeth yet, milk residue can reside in their tongue and lead to the buildup of bacteria.
Why Use Tongue Cleaner for Babies?
Tongue cleaners are essential for a number of reasons:
- To prevent bacteria from accumulating in their mouth, which can lead to bad breath and infection.
- To keep their sense of taste sharp.
- To improve the flow of saliva.
- To help them get used to the sensation of having their mouth cleaned so that they will be cooperative when the time comes for them to switch to toothbrushing.
When Should You Stop Using Tongue Cleaners for Babies?
Tongue cleaning should be a lifelong habit, so you shouldn't stop using tongue brushes or scrapers. But when your child begins to have teeth, you can switch to toothbrushes and tongue scrapers that are more suitable for the size of their mouth.
More Tips from Dr. Carlo Umlas
Mild thrush typically goes away on its own within 3 to 7 days, but if it doesn't, it's best to seek medical treatment.
More Baby Products for Your Little Bundle of Joy
Tongue cleaners are only one of the many baby products you can purchase online. If you want to look at the other baby products you can find online, feel free to check out these links to our recommendation articles about other baby essentials.
10 Best Baby Soaps in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist
10 Best Baby Lotions in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Electric Toothbrushes for Kids in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dentist
10 Best Baby Shampoos in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Author: Katrina Balingit
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Tongue Cleaners for Babies
No. 1: Tiny Buds｜Baby's First Toothbrush & Tongue Cleaner Set
No. 2: Looney Tunes｜Infant Oral Care Set
No. 3: 360DO ｜Baby Plus Toothbrush With Stopper
No. 4: Baby Moby｜Sterile Gauze Pads
No. 5: Li'l Twinkies｜Baby Oral Cleanser Silicone Toothbrush
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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