A dental scraper, also known as a scaler, is an instrument designed to remove plaque and superficial deposits from the surfaces of teeth. Home-use versions are widely available to help maintain oral hygiene between professional appointments. Using this tool requires precision and caution, as improper technique can easily damage the delicate structures of the mouth.
Essential Preparation Before Scraping
Before using the dental scraper, proper preparation of the tool and the workspace is necessary to prevent infection and maximize visibility. Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water before handling the instrument. The scraper must be disinfected before each use by either boiling it in water for several minutes or soaking the metallic end in 70% isopropyl alcohol as specified on the packaging.
A clear view of the working area is important for safety, so select a location with excellent lighting. You will need a fog-free dental mirror, often included in home kits, to see the back surfaces of your teeth, especially the molars. Brush and floss your teeth immediately beforehand to remove soft, loose debris. This makes it easier to locate the harder, attached deposits that the scraper is intended to address.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Scraper
The core to safe at-home scraping is maintaining a stable, controlled grip and using the correct motion against the tooth surface. Hold the scraper using a modified pen grip, securing the handle lightly but firmly with your thumb and index finger. To stabilize your hand and prevent accidental slips, rest your ring finger against a nearby tooth or area of your face. This finger rest allows for better control.
Position the working edge of the scraper against the tooth surface, at an angle between 45 and 90 degrees. Ensure the sharp tip is always pressed against the tooth, not the gums. The correct motion is a pull stroke: start at the gum line and use short, controlled movements to sweep the deposit away toward the biting edge of the tooth. Never push the instrument toward or into the gum tissue, as this can easily cause trauma or push bacteria deeper below the gum line. For safety, focus only on visible deposits above the gum line (supra-gingival), and avoid attempting to scrape deep below the edge of the gum tissue.
Recognizing and Avoiding Potential Hazards
Using a sharp instrument in the mouth carries risks, and understanding these hazards is necessary for safe practice. One major risk is damage to the gum tissue, which can cause trauma, bleeding, or, over time, gum recession, exposing sensitive tooth roots. Applying excessive pressure or using an incorrect angle can also scratch the tooth enamel. These microscopic defects increase tooth sensitivity and make the surface rougher, which attracts more plaque.
A less visible danger is introducing or pushing bacteria below the gum line, which can lead to localized infections or a periodontal abscess. If you experience sharp pain or sustained bleeding during the process, stop immediately. This indicates you are likely damaging soft tissue or applying too much force. The best preventative measure is to use only light pressure, letting the instrument do the work, and ensuring your stabilizing finger rest is secure.
Knowing When Professional Cleaning is Required
It is important to recognize the strict limitations of a home dental scraper and understand that it is not a substitute for professional dental care. The instrument is primarily effective for removing soft dental plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that forms daily on the teeth. While a home scraper may remove some superficial plaque, it is largely ineffective and unsafe for removing hardened dental calculus, also known as tartar.
Calculus forms when plaque is left on the teeth and hardens through mineralization. This calcified material is firmly attached to the tooth surface and requires the specialized tools and training of a dental hygienist to remove safely without damaging the cementum or root surface. If you feel a hard, shell-like deposit on your teeth, or if rough spots remain after light scraping, it signifies the need for a professional cleaning. Regular professional visits, typically every six months, remain the most effective and safest way to manage and remove existing calculus.