Tongue cleansing devices have been used for hundreds of years by many cultures around the world. Studies have shown that the build-up of bacteria on the tongue is a prime contributor to bad breath and formation of plaque on teeth. This bacteria builds up on the uneven surface of the tongue.

It is thought that an improvement to both general oral hygiene and breath odour can be achieved by cleansing the tongue. Some people even report an improvement to their sensation of taste