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LicenseTongue scraper, tortoise shell loop on ivory handle
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Tongue scraper, tortoise shell loop on ivory handle. Made in England circa 1801-1850.
Tongue scrapers were used to remove the ‘furry’ deposits on the tongue that build up after eating, drinking and smoking. They symbolise a growing interest in oral healthcare and would be used either during a visit to the dentist or in the home.
In this example, tortoiseshell has been curved to fit the ivory handle. This type of scraper appeared around 1770 and was popular until the end of the 1890s.
Details
- Category:
- Dentistry
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A647790
- Materials:
- ivory and tortoise shell
- Measurements:
-
overall: 8 x 127 x 33 mm
- type:
- tongue scraper
