Tortoiseshell tongue scraper, England, 1801-1850

Made:
1801-1850 in England
Tongue scraper, tortoise shell loop on ivory handle

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Tongue 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