A dental pick, often referred to as a dental scaler or plaque scraper, is a specialized hand instrument used to remove deposits from tooth surfaces. While these tools are standard equipment for dental professionals, they are also widely available to consumers for at-home oral hygiene maintenance. The primary purpose of this tool is to address hardened buildup that regular brushing and flossing cannot effectively eliminate. Understanding the correct, cautious technique is paramount to avoiding potential damage to oral tissues and tooth structure.
Understanding the Tool and What It Removes
The materials you aim to remove fall into two main categories: soft plaque and hardened calculus, also known as tartar. Plaque is a colorless, sticky bacterial film that forms constantly on teeth and is easily removed through daily brushing and flossing. Calculus is plaque that has mineralized over time from the calcium and phosphate in saliva, creating a rough, yellow or brown deposit that adheres firmly to the tooth surface.
The consumer-grade dental pick is designed to chip or scrape away this stubborn calculus, particularly near the gum line and between teeth. Most at-home kits include tools with slender metal shafts, often featuring a pointed explorer end and a sickle or hook-shaped scaler end. These consumer tools are limited in effectiveness and material strength compared to the precision instruments used by trained dental hygienists.
Detailed Instructions for Use
Begin your process by ensuring you have adequate lighting and a magnified dental mirror to clearly see the areas you are working on, especially the backs of lower front teeth. Start by gently touching the tooth surface to locate the rough, calcified areas that indicate tartar accumulation. A proper, steady grip, similar to holding a pencil, allows for maximum control over the sharp tip.
To engage the calculus, place the tip of the scaler against the tooth at an approximate 45-degree angle, positioning the instrument just above the deposit. Use a controlled, short, and firm pulling motion to dislodge the deposit, always moving the tool away from the gum line. For example, on the lower teeth, pull the scaler upward, and on the upper teeth, pull downward. This directional stroke prevents accidental trauma to the delicate gum tissue.
Apply only light pressure, allowing the sharp edge to shave away the hardened material rather than attempting to chip off large sections forcefully. Never push the instrument into the space between the tooth and the gum, as this can introduce bacteria deeper into the periodontal pocket. Work slowly across each tooth surface, rinsing frequently to wash away the dislodged debris and maintain visibility.
Essential Safety Warnings and Injury Prevention
The use of sharp metal instruments in the mouth carries risks that can result in permanent damage if performed incorrectly. One common issue is etching or scratching the enamel surface, which can increase tooth sensitivity and create rough areas where new plaque easily adheres. Repeated or overly vigorous scraping can also cause trauma to the gingival tissues, leading to painful lacerations or gum recession over time.
It is possible to accidentally push bacteria-laden calculus deeper beneath the gum line, which can lead to a localized infection or abscess requiring professional intervention. If you experience any bleeding during the process, stop immediately, as this indicates damage to the soft gum tissue. The tools must be thoroughly sterilized, typically by boiling or soaking in an appropriate disinfectant solution both before and after use, to prevent the introduction of foreign pathogens into the mouth. No at-home tool can replace the comprehensive scaling and monitoring provided during a regular professional dental cleaning.