Can I Perform Dental Scaling at Home?

DIY, also known as do-it-yourself, has made its way into many things these days. Whether you want to learn to paint, change the oil in your car, or sharpen your lawn mower blades, there is likely a video on how to do that.

When you last visited your dentist, perhaps you noticed that the instrument used to scrape tartar off your teeth looks a lot like a metal plaque scraper you saw for sale on Amazon. You’re tempted to buy it but then wonder if you really should do your own dental scaling at home.

How Dental Scalers Work

A soft layer of plaque forms daily on your teeth. If this soft layer isn’t removed routinely by brushing or flossing, it can harden into tartar build-up. Tartar is a tough substance because it is mineralized. Once plaque becomes tartar, it can’t be removed by brushing or flossing, and it must be scraped off.

For most people, visiting their dental hygienist twice a year is enough to remove the tartar buildup and keep their gum tissue healthy. Some patients build up more tartar than others, and it may be recommended that they visit their dental hygienist more than twice a year to remove tartar buildup and bacteria.

Your dental hygienist has had extensive training in removing tartar buildup. They know what it looks like and how to use scalers to remove it properly. Proper angulation and care are required, so your gum tissue and teeth don’t get damaged.

Why Scraping Is Best Left To Your Hygienist

While scraping your teeth may seem easy, these sharp instruments can cause injury to your mouth if not used properly. Removing tartar build-up is best left to your hygienist so that you don’t run into these problems:

• Gum Recession – Tartar removal instruments are very sharp and, when not used properly can be painful. Not only can they cause pain to your gum tissue, but they also can lead to gum recession.
• Tooth Sensitivity – Recession can lead to root exposure. Scrapping at this area can cause tooth sensitivity as the instrument passes over the exposed root.
• Infection – Dental instruments should be sterilized before use. If you use a device at home, you could introduce bacteria into your gum tissue. This could lead to gum issues, possibly even an infection.
• Spreading Bacteria – Cleanliness is essential when putting things in your mouth. Using instruments that aren’t clean can lead to spreading bacteria. Bacteria can lead to unwanted sickness and diseases.
• Other Injuries – Since tartar scrapers are very sharp, a slip could cut your gum tissue, cheek, or tongue.

The Best And Safest Way For Controlling Tartar Buildup

While it’s no secret, the best way to control tartar buildup is by removing plaque before it hardens into tartar! The great thing is that this is something that you can do at home with a toothbrush and floss. Maintaining good home care will keep removing the plaque while it’s still soft.

If you do this, you will probably notice that your hygienist does much less scraping at your dental appointment. Another benefit to keeping up with the brushing and flossing, and ditching the scaler is that you will eliminate the risk of injury this way.

Do you have your next preventative appointment scheduled? Tartar removal is integral to your appointments at our office as it helps keep your gum tissue healthy and free from disease.