A dental pick, an interdental cleaner, is a handheld tool designed to supplement brushing and flossing by removing food particles and dental plaque from the tight spaces between teeth. These devices target areas where a conventional toothbrush cannot reach, specifically the proximal surfaces of teeth. The primary function of a pick is to dislodge bacterial film, known as plaque, before it hardens into calculus or tartar. Regular use reduces plaque buildup, minimizing the risk of interproximal cavities and periodontal disease. Since brushing alone typically removes only about 60% of plaque, interdental cleaning is a necessary step for a comprehensive oral hygiene routine.
Understanding Different Types of Dental Picks
The term “dental pick” encompasses several tools, requiring a distinction between consumer-grade interdental picks and professional metal dental scalers. Interdental picks, generally safe for home use, are typically made of soft materials like plastic, rubber, or wood. These tools are designed for daily debris and plaque removal from between the teeth, often featuring a small brush head or a flexible rubber tip for gentle, effective cleaning.
Metal dental scalers are professional-grade instruments with sharp, curved tips, intended for use by dentists and hygienists. Although sometimes sold in at-home kits, they carry a substantial risk if used improperly. Misapplication of a sharp metal scaler can scratch tooth enamel or cause trauma to delicate gum tissue. Due to the complex technique required for safe scaling, particularly below the gumline, these professional tools should generally be avoided for routine home care.
Step-by-Step Guide for Safe Home Use
Successful home cleaning requires using a consumer-grade interdental pick with careful technique, focusing on the spaces between the teeth and the surfaces just above the gumline. Ensure you have adequate lighting and a clear view of the area, often requiring a small dental mirror. This visual confirmation helps guide the tool accurately to the interdental space.
When using an interdental brush-style pick, select the largest size that can be inserted comfortably without forcing it between your teeth. Gently slide the brush into the gap and move it back and forth a few times to scrub the surfaces of both adjacent teeth. Ensuring the bristles make contact with the entire interproximal surface maximizes plaque removal.
For soft, rubber-tipped picks, place the tip gently against the side of the tooth where it meets the gum tissue, and trace the contour of the tooth. This action helps dislodge plaque that collects along the gingival margin. It is crucial to maintain light, controlled pressure, allowing the tool to remove soft debris without digging or gouging the gum tissue.
If using a plastic or metal pick for targeted plaque removal, hold the tool at a shallow angle, approximately 45 degrees, against the tooth. Use a gentle, short scraping motion, moving only from the gumline toward the chewing edge of the tooth, never in the opposite direction. This technique lifts plaque off the surface without accidentally pushing it under the gumline or causing a puncture. Always avoid probing or scraping beneath the visible gumline, as this delicate area should only be accessed by a trained dental professional.
Recognizing When to Stop and See a Dentist
Home dental picks are limited to removing soft plaque and food debris from visible tooth surfaces and interdental spaces. They are ineffective against hardened calculus, or tartar, which is mineralized plaque that adheres firmly to the enamel. Once plaque has calcified, it requires specialized professional scaling tools and techniques to be safely removed.
Several warning signs indicate home picking is insufficient or that a professional examination is required. Persistent or excessive bleeding from the gums after using your pick may signal gingivitis or advanced gum disease. Finding deep, firm deposits on the teeth that resist gentle scraping means a visit to a dental hygienist is necessary for comprehensive cleaning. Furthermore, any signs of persistent pain, increased gum recession, or deep pockets between the tooth and gum should prompt immediate discontinuation of home scraping and a consultation with a dentist.