Dental tartar, or calculus, is a hardened layer of mineralized plaque that adheres firmly to tooth surfaces. It forms when plaque absorbs calcium and phosphate ions from saliva. Once mineralized, brushing and flossing cannot remove it, and the rough surface attracts more plaque. Manual dental scalers are sometimes used to remove these deposits between professional cleanings. Using these specialized instruments requires a careful approach to avoid harming the teeth and gums. This guidance focuses on the proper and safe application of manual scalers for addressing surface buildup at home.
Identifying Tartar and Home Scaling Tools
Tartar is classified by its location, which is fundamental to safe home scaling. Supragingival calculus is the visible buildup above the gum line, typically appearing yellowish or white. This is the only type of deposit a home user should attempt to address, as it is accessible and observable.
Subgingival calculus forms below the gum line within the gingival sulcus. It is often darker due to blood pigments. This deeper deposit is impossible to see clearly and requires the specific training and specialized instruments of a dental professional for safe removal. Attempting to access subgingival areas with a home scaler can cause significant tissue trauma or push the deposit further down.
The most common manual instrument in home kits is the sickle scaler, designed with a sharp, pointed tip and two cutting edges. This tool is intended for scraping tartar from the smooth surfaces of the tooth crown. Curettes, which have a rounded toe, are primarily used by professionals for cleaning below the gum line and should be avoided by the home user. Focus only on the hard, visible deposits near the gum line using the sickle scaler.
Critical Safety and Preparation Measures
The preparatory phase minimizes the risk of infection or injury. All manual scalers must be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized both before and after use to prevent introducing harmful oral bacteria into the gum tissue. First, clean the instrument with soap and water to remove debris.
For sterilization, submerge the metal scaler in rolling, boiling water for a minimum of 30 minutes to kill most pathogens. Alternatively, disinfect it by soaking in a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol for at least ten minutes. Once sterilized, dry the scaler completely and store it in a clean, protected environment until use.
Establishing the correct physical environment is important for visibility and control. Position yourself in a brightly lit area that clearly illuminates the inside of your mouth. A small, anti-fog dental mirror is necessary to view the back and inner surfaces of the teeth. Start the process with freshly brushed and flossed teeth to isolate the hard tartar deposits.
Finally, ensure a stable working position. You must maintain a steady hand throughout the procedure to prevent accidental slips that can lacerate gum tissue. A stable posture and the use of a fulcrum, or finger rest, are necessary prerequisites for safe scaling.
The Technique for Gentle Tartar Removal
Removing tartar requires precision and restraint, using a light and controlled motion. Begin by adopting a modified pen grasp: hold the instrument gently between the thumb and index finger, with the middle finger resting on the shank for stabilization. This grasp provides the necessary dexterity for working in a confined space.
Establish a finger rest, or fulcrum, by bracing the ring finger on a nearby tooth or surface. This anchor point controls the pressure and movement of the instrument. Position the sickle scaler against the tooth surface, angling the blade face between 60 and 70 degrees against the tooth. Insert the tip just below the tartar deposit you wish to remove.
Scaling is performed using short, firm, pulling strokes directed away from the gum line. This motion catches the edge of the deposit and lifts it cleanly off the tooth surface. Apply moderate lateral pressure, allowing the sharp edge to shave the calculus away rather than gouging the enamel. Avoid repetitive scraping motions in one place, which can create grooves in the tooth surface.
Focus on using only the tip-third of the scaler blade, which is the working area, to ensure accuracy. Work methodically around each tooth surface with visible tartar, using vertical, oblique, or horizontal strokes as needed. After removal, gently run the explorer end of the scaler over the area; a smooth surface indicates success.
Risks of Home Scaling and Professional Necessity
The unsupervised use of sharp dental scalers carries significant risks to long-term oral health. A common danger is scratching or gouging the tooth enamel with the sharp tip. Enamel damage leads to increased tooth sensitivity and creates rough areas prone to future plaque accumulation.
Improper technique frequently results in trauma to soft tissues, including the gums, cheeks, and tongue. A slip can cause painful lacerations. Repeated trauma to the gingival margin can lead to irreversible gum recession, exposing sensitive tooth roots and increasing the risk of root decay.
A primary limitation of home scaling is the inability to safely remove subgingival calculus. Attempting to scale below the gum line without proper visibility may push bacteria-laden tartar deeper into the gum pocket. This action can lead to gum abscesses or exacerbate existing periodontal disease, requiring professional intervention.
Manual home scaling is not a substitute for professional dental cleanings and comprehensive examinations. Dental professionals use specialized tools, like ultrasonic scalers, and have the training necessary to thoroughly and safely remove all deposits, especially subgingival calculus. Regular visits allow a dentist to monitor for early signs of disease and ensure home efforts are not causing irreversible damage.