Abstract: A tongue cleaning device for personal use or use by an oral hygiene professional. The device has a relatively flat cleaning head integral with a handle that preferably is angled to permit ease of use without causing tissue damage. The cleaning head is provided with a plurality of cleaning ribs that extend the length of the cleaning head, which is oriented perpendicular to the handle. Each of the cleaning ribs depends from a lower surface of the cleaning head, and each has a cleaning surface configured for removing unhealthy films and deposits from the tongue. To reduce the likelihood of damaging tissues of the mouth, the ribs are configured without harsh or rough edges, and the cleaning head is flattened so that the user will not scrape the rear portion of the soft palate. The tongue cleaning device of the present invention is made from a polymeric material, such as a food grade plastic, that will withstand temperatures necessary for sterilization.